shot-button
Lake Levels Lake Levels
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai Crime News > Article > Mumbai Vomit Gold worth Rs 75 crore seized 2 including former constable held

Mumbai: ‘Vomit Gold’ worth Rs 7.5 crore seized, 2 including former constable held

Updated on: 24 June,2021 06:52 PM IST  |  Mumbai
Faizan Khan | faizan.khan@mid-day.com

Ambergris is a high demand substance in the perfume industry, the price of which goes up to Rs 1 crore per kg.

Mumbai: ‘Vomit Gold’ worth Rs 7.5 crore seized, 2 including former constable held

Pic courtesy: Mumbai Crime Branch

In a yet another incident, the Unit 03 of Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested two accused with more than 7 kgs of 'Vomit Gold' also known as Ambergris, a substance found in the digestive system of sperm whale.


The seized ambergris is worth more than Rs 7.5 crore. One of the accused arrested by Mumbai Crime Branch is a former constable who was dismissed in 2016.


The accused are identified as Prakash Pingle and Amit Patil. Pingle was a police constable and was posted at Pydhonie police station; he was dismissed from service in 2016.


“Based on the information a trap was laid and accused have been arrested. This is a second case in one week where we have seized huge quantity of ambergris, the matter is being investigated further," said DCP Prakash Jadhav.

Ambergris is a high demand substance in the perfume industry, the price of which goes up to Rs 1 crore per kg.

Seized ambergris. Pic courtesy: Mumbai Crime Branch

Last week the unit 05 of Mumbai Crime Branch arrested three accused with  2.5 kg Ambergris.

What is ambergris?

Ambergris is an extremely valuable and rare substance, and is primarily used in the production of perfumes and musk products due to its unique smell. “Sperm whales are very rare and found in the deep sea. They are different from other whales and stay inside the sea for a longer time. Out of the whole population of sperm whales, only one or two per cent produce ambergris. There are studies that claim that sperm whales vomit the substance but there is still no clarity if it is indeed that or its excreta,” said Harshad Karve, marine biologist from the state Mangroves Cell.

“In ancient times, ambergris was used as food but now the demand is very high in the perfume industry where it is used to preserve the scent,” Karve added.

According to experts, very few people in the industries concerned have knowledge about ambergris. Those who have the knowledge, know how to get it in the market. “Pure ambergris floats on the surface and after some time, it washes ashore,” Karve said.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK