On 02 February the Customs division of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) made three seizures at the OR Tambo International Airport of catalytic converters and crushed powder from the core of a catalytic converter, valued at R21 million. The crushed powder extracted from the core of a catalytic converter is contributing to a new drug craze.
The Customs dog detector unit intercepted the three shipments weighing 2 649kg destined for Dubai, the United Kingdom (UK) and Jordan.
The products were concealed in metal drums and bags. (See photographs).
A catalytic converter contains metals such as palladium, rhodium, platinum and gold. Through a refinery process these precious metals can be extracted and used for the manufacture of jewellery, car parts as well as weaponry.
The core of a catalytic converter, which cuts the emission of toxic gases, can be crushed into a fine powder and used in the manufacture of a toxic drug. This has led to a spike in the theft of catalytic converters in some countries.
The consignment was declared as Ceramic Catalyst Sample. The South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) was alerted about the detection and the goods were handed over to them for further investigation.
“The seizures are evidence of the dedication and commitment of the SARS Customs officials to stamp out the trade in illegal and harmful substances,” the SARS Commissioner said.
For more information, contact SarsMedia@sars.gov.za
