Kolhapur/Ratnagiri, Aug. 15 -- Dapoli Customs department seized rare whale fish vomit (ambergris) valued at Rs 5.45 crore near Goa Fort in Harne in Dapoli tehsil of Ratnagiri district.
According to Dapoli Customs department today, on a tip off, the customs team laid a trap near the entrance of Goa Fort in Harne and seized 4.140 kg of whale 'vomit', which was brought for sale, valued Rs 5.45 crore in the international market.
However, no one has been arrested so far.
The customs department is investigating further.
Ambergris is extremely rare, with only an estimated 1% of sperm whales producing it.
The sale and trade of ambergris is strictly prohibited in India under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
This ban is in place to protect t...