World

DRI officials bust smuggling racket in Ambergris extracted from sperm whales on Kerala coast

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a smuggling racket in Ambergris (extracted from sperm whales) on Kerala’s Tuticorin coast which poses a threat to the nation’s marine life and seized 18.1 kg of Ambergris valued at Rs 31.67 crore, according to a finance ministry statement issued today.

Ambergris is a solid, waxy substance that fetches a very high price because it is used as a fixative in expensive perfumes as it allows the scent to endure much longer. However, these smugglers pose a danger to sperm whales which are a protected species.

Based on specific information that a gang would be attempting to smuggle ambergris out of India through the sea route near the coast of Harbour Beach in Tuticorin to Sri Lanka during the night hours of May 18, DRI officers intercepted a vehicle along with five persons and recovered 18.1 kg of ambergris from the front seat of the vehicle. The occupants confessed that they were smuggling the substance, the statement explained.

Ambergris is a product of sperm whales, which is a protected species listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and is thus prohibited for possession/export/transport. Ambergris was thus seized along with the vehicle used for transporting the prohibited item.

DRI in its endeavour to protect and safeguard the flora and fauna from such smuggling attempts has intensified its vigil and surveillance in the coastal areas. In the last two years, DRI has seized around 40.52 kg of Ambergris valued at Rs. 54 crore in the international market, attempted to be smuggled out of India from the Tuticorin Coast, the statement added.

Four persons from Kerala and Tamil Nadu actively involved in this smuggling attempt of Ambergris were arrested and remanded under judicial custody.

Further investigation is under progress.

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

Indian exporters outperform global peers despite geopolitical headwinds: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday lauded the resilience of Indian exporters, highlighting that the…

36 minutes ago

Israel Defence Minister accuses Iran of ceasefire violation, vows to “respond forcefully”

Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz has accused Iran of violating the ceasefire and said that…

2 hours ago

EAM Jaishankar, South Australia’s Governor Adamson discuss education, space, agriculture and consular issues

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with South Australia's Governor Frances Adamson in…

3 hours ago

“India today has become leader of digital world,” says Jyotiraditya Scindia at World WiFi Day program in Delhi

Union Minister for Communications and Development of the Northeastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday highlighted…

3 hours ago

India donates 1000 metric tonnes of rice and essential medicines to Cameroon

India handed over 1000 metric tonnes of rice and essential medicines to Cameroon. Cameroon's Minister…

4 hours ago

“Ceasefire in effect, don’t violate it,” says US President Trump even as both sides report continued attacks

US President Donald Trump has once again reiterated that the West Asia ceasefire is in…

5 hours ago