WELLINGTON – In a rather unusual case in New Zealand, authorities find themselves in a waiting game as they hope nature resolves a peculiar theft attempt. A man has been accused of trying to smuggle a valuable pendant worth 33,000 New Zealand dollars, equivalent to about $19,000, from a jewelry store by swallowing it.

The 32-year-old suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, allegedly ingested a lavish Fabergé octopus pendant during an incident at Partridge Jewelers in Auckland on November 28. As of Wednesday, the police have yet to retrieve any evidence of the pendant, which remains inside the accused.

Inspector Grae Anderson provided an update, stating, “Upon his arrest, the suspect underwent a medical evaluation, and a dedicated officer is closely monitoring him. We have not yet recovered the pendant.” The arrest occurred within the store just moments after the alleged crime took place.

The suspect was subsequently brought before the Auckland District Court on November 29. During his court appearance, he refrained from entering a plea to the charge of theft. As the legal process unfolds, the pendant’s recovery remains a crucial element in the case against him.

The man was arrested inside the store minutes after the alleged theft. He appeared in the Auckland District Court on Nov. 29, where he did not enter a plea on a charge of theft.

The alleged loot was a limited-edition, Fabergé egg pendant inspired by the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy. Central to the film’s plot is a jewel-smuggling operation that involves a fake Fabergé egg.

The store’s website says the egg, only 50 of which have been made, is crafted from gold, painted with green enamel and encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. The pendant is 8.4 centimeters (3.3 inches) tall and is mounted on a stand.

“The egg opens to reveal an 18ct yellow gold octopus nestled inside, adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes,” an item description said. “The octopus surprise pays homage to the eponymous antagonist at the centre of the Octopussy film.”

Time and digestion will tell if another octopus surprise is forthcoming.

“Given this man is in Police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred,” Anderson said.

The accused man is due to appear in court again Dec. 8.