New Delhi (IANS) | The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted an alleged ‘ambergris’ smuggling racket. ‘Ambergris’ is produced from the intestines of the sperm whale. However, it is also referred to as ‘whale vomit’. The DRI also seized 18.1 kg of ambergris in the illegal market off Thoothukudi coast. The cost of which is being told as Rs 31.67 crore. The DRI team has also arrested four persons in connection with this case.
The accused have been identified as Easwaran, Anil, Anandraj and Bethane. An official said that a tip-off was received that a gang would attempt to smuggle ambergris out of India to Sri Lanka through the sea route near the Harbor Beach coast of Thoothukudi on the night of May 18.
DRI officials intercepted a vehicle with 5 persons and recovered 18.1 kg of ambergris from the vehicle. The accused have confessed to the smuggling attempt during interrogation.
The DRI said ‘ambergris’ is produced from the intestines of sperm whales, and its export is banned. Four persons from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, who were actively involved in the attempt to smuggle ambergris, have been arrested, the official said.
All the accused were produced in the court, from where they were sent to judicial custody. The DRI said it has intensified its vigilance and surveillance in the coastal areas in its endeavor to protect and safeguard flora and fauna from such smuggling attempts.
In the last two years, the DRI has seized around 40.52 kg of ambergris worth Rs 54 crore in the international market, which was attempted to be smuggled out of India off the Thoothukudi coast.
–IANS
