New Delhi: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted an Ambergris smuggling gang racket and seized 18.1 kg of Ambergris value Rs 31.67 crore at Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin Coast. In an official assertion on Saturday, the Ministry of Finance stated that 4 individuals from Kerala and Tamil Nadu actively concerned on this smuggling try of Ambergris had been arrested and remanded beneath judicial custody.
“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, Tuticorin to Sri Lanka during the night hours of 18.05.2023, 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 to the smuggling attempt,” the assertion learn.
Further investigation is beneath progress, it added.
Ambergris is a product of sperm whales, which is a protected species listed beneath Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and is prohibited for possession, export or transport.
The DRI has intensified its vigil and surveillance within the coastal areas and has seized round 40.52 kg of Ambergris valued at Rs 54 crores within the worldwide market within the final two years.
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