'Floating gold' worth crores seized; two arrested in Pandalam

PANDALAM: Two men were arrested by the police and the district DANSAF team on Sunday night after officials seized 6kg of ambergris, estimated to be worth crores of rupees in the international market, during a vehicle inspection under Operation Toofan.

The accused were identified as Rajeev (39), a native of Muttara in Odanavattom, and Soman (48), of Neduvathoor in Kottarakkara.

Police said the two were intercepted near Valiya Koikkal Bridge after they allegedly tried to avoid a checkpoint while travelling on a motorcycle. Officers chased the vehicle and apprehended the suspects before recovering the contraband.

During preliminary interrogation, the accused reportedly told investigators that Rajeev had obtained the ambergris from Lakshadweep about five years ago. They were allegedly transporting it to Thiruvalla, where they planned to sell it for a substantial amount.

The seized ambergris, along with the two accused, was later handed over to officials of the Konni Forest Division, as offences involving ambergris fall under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department. Forest officials will register the case and initiate further legal proceedings, including producing the accused before the court.