In a scene that seems ripped from a Hollywood script, police in Auckland, New Zealand, are stuck in an unusual waiting game. Their mission? To recover a stolen James Bond–style pendant worth $19,000 from the most unexpected hiding place—inside a suspect's stomach.
The Unbelievable Heist and a Bizarre Hiding Spot
The incident, which unfolded recently, centres around a valuable piece of jewellery stolen from Partridge Jewellers. The pendant, inspired by the iconic 007 franchise, vanished under mysterious circumstances. However, the investigation took a wildly strange turn when Auckland police officers zeroed in on a suspect. Upon apprehension, they discovered the suspect had not hidden the treasure in a safe or a secret compartment. Instead, in a desperate and shocking move, the individual had swallowed the expensive pendant whole.
A Patient Stakeout of a Different Kind
What followed was a situation straight out of a crime-comedy. With the evidence literally inside the thief, conventional recovery methods were off the table. Law enforcement officials had no choice but to wait for hours for nature to take its course. This peculiar vigil, informally dubbed the wait for the 'dirty drop,' left the officers both stunned and in an unprecedented operational dilemma.
The case highlights the extreme lengths to which some individuals will go to conceal stolen goods. Police procedures typically involve searches of properties, persons, and vehicles, but this scenario required a completely different and patient approach.
Social Media Reaction and Case Aftermath
As details of the bizarre case emerged, social media users were equal parts horrified and amused. The blend of high-value theft with such a crude method of concealment sparked widespread discussion and disbelief online. The incident, dated December 4, 2025, has quickly become one of the most talked-about crime stories from New Zealand, blurring the lines between a serious criminal act and an absurdist plot.
While the wait for the pendant's recovery was undoubtedly awkward, it underscores a simple truth for criminals: you can't simply digest the evidence. The Auckland police's patience was ultimately aimed at securing the crucial proof needed for a conviction in this utterly unusual theft.
