Ambergris seized in Guwahati...

Custom officers captured over 11 kg of Ambergris

On February 5, 2023, the customs division team in Guwahati seized nearly 11.56 kg of worth Rs 91 crores solid wax suspected to be Ambergris.

The dull, greyish, inflammable substance, which is blackish in color, commonly known as whale vomit (ambergris), is used to enhance the fragrance of the perfume.

As per the information shared in the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) report, this substance is produced in the digestive system of a sperm whale and is grey to black in color. It is usually found on the sea coasts of Japan, the Maldives, China, India, South Africa, Brazil, Australia, Madagascar, and New Zealand.

However, the years 2021–2022, by contrast experienced a spate of seizures of ambergris by both the central and state law enforcement agencies.

The report further mentioned that the sale and possession of ambergris is illegal in India under Schedule I of the Wild Life Protection Act of 1972.