What Is ‘Ambergris’ or Whale Vomit, Possession of Which Led to Detention of Two Lakshadweep Cops in Kochi?
Kochi, July 12: The Kerala Police apprehended two police officials from Lakshadweep on Wednesday for allegedly possessing ambergris, commonly known as whale vomit, at Kadavanthara in Kochi. The arrested individuals have been identified as Jafar and Noushad, both associated with the Lakshadweep administration office in Kadavanthra.
Acting on a tip-off, the police intercepted the duo and recovered 1.5 kg of ambergris, valued at approximately Rs 1.5 crore, from their room at the Guest House of the Lakshadweep Administration office, The New Indian Express reported. The authenticity of the ambergris is yet to be confirmed through forensic analysis. UPSC Results 2023: Ranked Fourth in Civil Services, IPS Trainee PK Sidharth Ramkumar From Kerala Kept It a Secret.
What Is ‘Ambergris’ or Whale Vomit?
Ambergris, often referred to as “whale vomit,” is a rare and valuable substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. Despite its nickname, it is not actually vomit. Instead, it forms in the intestines of the whale, likely as a way to protect the whale’s digestive tract from sharp objects like squid beaks.
Ambergris starts as a soft, black, and foul-smelling substance but hardens and develops a pleasant, earthy scent as it ages and floats in the ocean1. It is highly prized in the perfume industry for its ability to fix scents, making them last longer. Navigation Nightmare: Google Maps Misdirection Leads Hyderabad Tourist Group Into Pond in Kerala’s Kottayam (Watch Video).
The arrested officials claimed that a friend from Lakshadweep had visited them and handed over a packet, unaware that it contained ambergris. The friend reportedly returned to Lakshadweep on Wednesday. The police have handed over the duo and the seized ambergris to forest officials and are coordinating with Lakshadweep authorities to apprehend the suspect.
(The above story first appeared on Today News 24 on Jul 12, 2024 10:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website todaynews24.top).
