Ambergris is produced naturally by sperm whales. (Representational)
New Delhi:
Directorate of Income Intelligence (DRI) officers have seized 18.1 kilogram ambergris at Tuticorin coast valued at Rs 31.67 crore within the illicit market and busted a smuggling racket, the finance ministry stated on Saturday.
Ambergris is a product of sperm whale, which is a protected species beneath the Wildlife Safety Act, 1972 and is thus prohibited for possession/export/transport.
Primarily based on data {that a} gang could be making an attempt to smuggle ambergris out of India by the ocean route close to the coast of Harbour Seashore, Tuticorin to Sri Lanka, DRI officers intercepted a car together with 5 individuals and recovered 18.1 kg of ambergris from the entrance seat of the car.
4 individuals from Kerala and Tamil Nadu actively concerned on this smuggling try of ambergris had been arrested and remanded beneath judicial custody, the assertion stated.
DRI in its endeavour to guard and safeguard the wildlife from such smuggling makes an attempt has intensified its vigil and surveillance within the coastal areas.
Within the final two years, DRI has seized round 40.52 kg of ambergris valued at Rs 54 crore within the worldwide market, tried to be smuggled out of India from the Tuticorin coast.
Sale and possession of ambergris, principally used for making fragrance, is prohibited beneath the Wildlife Safety Act.
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