Police confiscated the ivory carved dagger which was encrusted with rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds, during a raid in the Istanbul suburb of Esenyurt, the Anadolu Agency reported. Alongside the dagger, police found a studded sheath and an ornate base decorated with lion figurines.
A businessman, who allegedly bought the dagger for USD 4.6 million in Libya three months ago, and two suspected accomplices were detained in an anti-smuggling operation.
Identified by his initials, A.A., the businessman was caught trying to sell the dagger to a Saudi national for USD 10 million.
The three men were released pending trial on possible charges of smuggling and breaching the rules relating to the trade in endangered species.