Thiruvananthapuram: Forest Range Palode officials here on Thursday caught four men who have Ambergris, commonly known as ‘Pope vomiting’.
According to forest officials involved in the arrest, this was the first time Ambergris was confiscated in the state capital.
The contract was confiscated from the Shaji residence, 58, from Vellatloor near Kilimanoor.
His partner, Sajeevan, 46, from Vellatloor, Baiju, 41, from Pazhaya Kunnumhel and Radhakrishnan, 48, from Ullilyeri in Kozhikode, who were present at the house during the attack, were also arrested along with him.
Substances confiscated from them weighs five kilograms.
Shiju’s forest representative S v Nair, who led the operation, said the gang had Ambergris for the past six months.
Other people, who have not been identified, have submitted substance to shaji and gang on the condition that they will receive a handsome amount as a commission if they can find good buyers.
Officials carry out attacks after receiving a tip in this regard.
“Shortly after they received a substance, another gang was held with Ambergris in Thrissur.
So the gang decided to lie down for some time, “Shiju Sv Nair said.
The officer added that the gang since then approached some potential buyers.
They hope to get Rs 5-20 Crore.
Shaji works in the construction sector and is used to travel extensively.
Therefore he developed many contacts throughout the country.
It is through one of the contacts he has from Ambergris.
The active probe to find sources of ambergris.ambergris is a candle substance produced in the sperm pope bile duct.
As soon as the pope is dead, the substance is removed from the body.
Used in the production of luxurious perfumes and therefore has high demand.
But it is a crime that can be punished in this country to own or sell ambergris.