The Crime Branch of the Pimpri Chinchwad police in Pune has arrested two persons in Pune and seized 550 grams of ambergris.
What is Ambergris?
- Ambergris, also known as ‘floating gold’, is a waxy substance that originates from the digestive system of the protected sperm whales.
- It is incorrectly referred to as ‘whale vomit.’
- As per one theory, it is produced in the gastrointestinal tract of some of the sperm whales for the passage of hard, sharp objects that are ingested when the whale eats large quantities of marine animals.
- The ambergris is said to be passed like feces and has a very strong fecal odour combined with a strong marine odour.
- Being extremely rare contributes to its high demand and high price in the international market.
- Traditionally, ambergris is used to produce perfumes which have notes of musk.
- There is a ban on possession and trade of ambergris in countries like the USA, Australia and India.
- The sperm whales are a protected species under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act and possession or trade of any of its by-products, including Ambergris and its byproducts, is illegal under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
(Source: The Indian Express)
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