According to multiple media sources, the 25-year-old man was searched at Abu Dhabi airport after he showed signs of stress and anxiety. The stones were found in a small bag hidden in a sock.
Officials said that the would-be smuggler chose to not declare the stones in order to avoid paying fees.
At the time of publication, it had not been specified what legal action would be taken.
The incident echoes a similar event that occurred last year when South African police arrested a man for swallowing 220 polished diamonds, valued at approximately US$2.25 million (A$2.46 m), in an attempt to smuggle them on a flight to Dubai.
Jeweller reported at the time that authorities were tipped off about the 25-year-old Lebanese man’s behaviour. The suspect was kept in custody and fed laxatives until police were able to “recover” the haul of diamonds.
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