📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prince Roy
Crime
Indian Police Arrest Two on 6kg Ambergris Smuggling Charge
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 21 Jul 2026, 07:18 AM
👁 1
Two men were detained by Indian authorities after authorities seized 6 kilograms of ambergris, a highly valuable marine substance used in perfume manufacturing.
Indian police arrested two individuals after seizing 6 kilograms of ambergris, a rare marine substance prized for its use in high‑end fragrances. The arrest took place during a routine inspection at a storage facility, where officials discovered the illegal cargo hidden in sealed containers.
Ambergris, often referred to as "floating perfume," is harvested from the intestines of sperm whales and is heavily regulated under international wildlife protection laws. The seized quantity is considered substantial, potentially worth millions of dollars on the black market.
The police cited charges under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and the Narcotics Control Act, indicating that the suspects were involved in illicit trade. Authorities have not yet released the names of the arrested men, but the operation is part of a broader crackdown on wildlife smuggling across the country.
Officials have pledged to investigate the supply chain and identify any collaborators involved in the smuggling network. The case underscores the ongoing effort to curb the illegal trade of endangered species and their derivatives.
The seized ambergris will be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation for further forensic analysis and to aid in tracing the origin of the material.
Ambergris, often referred to as "floating perfume," is harvested from the intestines of sperm whales and is heavily regulated under international wildlife protection laws. The seized quantity is considered substantial, potentially worth millions of dollars on the black market.
The police cited charges under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and the Narcotics Control Act, indicating that the suspects were involved in illicit trade. Authorities have not yet released the names of the arrested men, but the operation is part of a broader crackdown on wildlife smuggling across the country.
Officials have pledged to investigate the supply chain and identify any collaborators involved in the smuggling network. The case underscores the ongoing effort to curb the illegal trade of endangered species and their derivatives.
The seized ambergris will be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation for further forensic analysis and to aid in tracing the origin of the material.