New Zealand police have recovered a diamond-studded Fabergé egg locket that a man allegedly swallowed while trying to steal it from a jewellery store in Auckland.
The pendant, valued at $19,300, left the suspect’s body naturally after six days in custody. Police told BBC that no medical procedure was needed. They said the egg was recovered in a “natural” manner. “Medical intervention [was] not required.”
The limited-edition pendant is inspired by the James Bond film Octopussy. It is set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires and opens to reveal a small 18-carat gold octopus.
The man was arrested inside Partridge Jewelers on November 28, shortly after the alleged theft. Police said he was taken for a medical check and had been under constant watch while officers waited for the item to reappear.
According to them, “We have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred.”
A photo released by police showed the recovered pendant held in a gloved hand, still attached to its long gold chain and price tag.
The 32-year-old suspect, who has not been named publicly, faces a theft charge. He appeared in court on November 29 but did not enter a plea. He remains in custody and is expected to appear again at the Auckland District Court on Monday.
