A Dutchman trying to smuggle a total of 148 3.3-carat diamonds and coke in his luggage is facing up to five years behind bars after being caught by German customs.

The 26-year-old man – identity not disclosed – was halted by customs in the area of Herzogenrath, North Rhine-Westphalia State, Germany, after he attempted to cross the border on Monday, 14th August.

But since he failed to provide an ID, officers at the Dutch-German border reportedly put him through a more detailed check.

And they were stunned when they found the valuable 3.3-carat diamonds in addition to a small amount of cocaine.

The officers then immediately reported the case to the Essen Customs Investigation Office whose detectives took hold of the seized items. and initiated an investigation.

Meanwhile the 26-year-old man was released but is currently being examined for money laundering.

Police spokesperson Bernd Kueppers from said in a statement obtained by Newsflash: “This case is currently being investigated by the joint financial investigation group of the police and customs at the State Criminal Police Office of North Rhine-Westphalia on suspicion of money laundering.

“The diamonds are still undergoing a forensic investigation in this regard. They could represent a value in the five-digit range.”

If found guilty the Dutchman faces up to five years in prison, according to anti-money laundering laws and regulations in Germany.