Ambergris : Seized
The Ahmedabad Rural Special Operations Group (SOG) recently seized 2.97 kg of ambergris, commonly known as sperm whale vomit, worth nearly ₹2.97 crore in the international market and arrested two people.
- Ambergris, also known as ‘whale vomit’ is a solid, waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus).
- It is extremely valuable and has been called the ‘treasure of the sea’ and ‘floating gold’.
- It is highly valued in the perfume industry as a fragrance enhancer.
- It is also used in traditional medicines and sometimes even as a spice in eastern cultures.
- There is a ban on the possession and trade of ambergris in countries like the USA, Australia, and India.
- In India, the sale and trade of ambergris are strictly prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- It is formed in the intestine of the whale to cover the indigestible objects from the animals on which it feeds (mostly the beaks of squid).
- Once released, it initially floats on the ocean’s surface and is black and sticky.
- Exposure to sun, air, and salt water oxidizes it, and eventually it becomes grey and waxy, often still embedded with small squid beaks. and losing its unpleasant odour.
- Ambergris is found in lumps of various shapes and sizes, ranging from 15 grams up to 420 kilograms.
