Mumbai: The Thane police seized the scales of  endangered pangolins  or scaly anteaters and ambergris (the scales of whales) worth Rs 20.20 crore when they were brought for sale at Kalwa on Tuesday. The crime branch unit I of Thane police laid a trap and nabbed the accused near a hotel before the alleged exchange could take place.

The accused were identified as Kashinath Pawar (50), a labourer; Dilip Birje (49), a mason; and Dnyaneshwar More (40), a farmer in possession of the seized items.

The official said they found 6kg pangolin scales worth Rs 20 lakh in

Pawar’s possession. The bag also contained the ambergris that was wrapped inside a white cloth and kept in a maroon bag.

“We are questioning the accused on the person who was supposed to meet them. They seemed to be acting on somebody’s behalf,” said Deepak Deoraj, deputy commissioner of police, crime branch.

The officials have also seized the car in which they used to travel.