In a rare and high-value wildlife crime case, Goa Police recovered 5.75 kg of ambergris, commonly known as whale vomit, from three individuals in South Goa’s Sanguem village. The seized substance is estimated to be worth approximately ₹10 crore in the international market due to its high demand in the global perfume industry.
Ambergris, a waxy secretion produced in the intestines of sperm whales, is a highly sought-after fixative in luxury fragrances. However, due to the protected status of sperm whales under Schedule II of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the possession, sale, or trade of ambergris is strictly illegal in India.
Tip-Off Leads to Interception and Arrest of Three in Sanguem
According to police officials, the operation unfolded on Thursday after a confidential tip-off alerted authorities to a possible smuggling attempt. Acting swiftly, a police team intercepted a car in Sanguem village, located in the forested interior of South Goa. Upon inspection, officers discovered 5.75 kilograms of ambergris carefully concealed inside the vehicle.
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The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Sainath Shet (50) – a resident of Goa
- Ratnakant Karapurkar (55) – a resident of Goa
- Yogesh Redkar (40) – from Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra
All three suspects were taken into custody on the spot, and a case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, with further charges expected as the investigation progresses.
Illegal Ambergris Trade Poses Global Conservation Threat
Ambergris forms inside sperm whales as a defensive reaction to sharp objects like squid beaks, and it is eventually expelled into the ocean. While occasionally found floating on shorelines, much of the ambergris in illegal trade is suspected to be procured through poaching or black-market marine extraction—posing a grave threat to the endangered species.
Because of its rarity and utility as a natural fixative in luxury perfumes, ambergris can command prices ranging from ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore per kilogram internationally. This high value has turned it into a lucrative target for wildlife traffickers, even though India explicitly prohibits its trade.
A police spokesperson confirmed that efforts are now focused on determining the source of the seized ambergris, as well as whether a larger smuggling network is involved. “This is a serious wildlife crime. We are investigating the possibility of interstate or international links,” he added.
A Wake-Up Call for Marine Wildlife Enforcement
This case marks one of the most significant seizures of ambergris in recent years in Goa, a state with a long coastline and high marine biodiversity. The seizure underlines the growing need for robust marine wildlife enforcement, especially as traffickers exploit coastal areas to smuggle rare and banned biological materials.
Experts warn that the lack of awareness about marine wildlife laws, combined with the enormous black-market value of ambergris, continues to incentivize illegal collection and trade. Authorities are urging citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity involving marine species or their byproducts.
The three accused remain in custody as police seek to uncover the entire supply chain and any foreign connections behind this illicit ambergris transaction. Further charges, including violations under the Biodiversity Act and smuggling laws, are likely to follow.