Tuticorin/IBNS: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Saturday busted an ambergris smuggling gang racket and seized 18.1 kg of Ambergris at Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin coast which is valued at around Rs 31.67 crore in the illicit market.

Ambergris is a product of sperm whales, which is a protected species listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and prohibited for possession/export/transport.

Ambergris, ambergrease, or grey amber is a solid, waxy, flammable substance of a dull grey or blackish colour produced in the digestive system of sperm whales,  highly valued by perfume makers as a fixative that allows the scent to endure much longer

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 May 18, DRI Officers intercepted a vehicle along with five persons and recovered 18.1 kg of ambergris from the front seat of the vehicle, said Ministry of Finance in a statement.

The occupants confessed to the smuggling attempt. The DRI officials seized ambergris with the vehicle used for transporting the prohibited item.

Four persons from Kerala and Tamil Nadu actively involved in this smuggling attempt of ambergris were arrested and remanded under judicial custody, the statement said.

Further investigation is under progress.

In the last two years, DRI has seized around 40.52 kg of ambergris valued at Rs 54 crores in the international market, attempted to be smuggled out of India from the Tuticorin Coast, it added.

“DRI in its endeavour to protect and safeguard the flora and fauna from such smuggling attempts has intensified its vigil and surveillance in the coastal areas,” the ministry said.