supplied (SARS)
The Customs Division of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) made three seizures at the OR Tambo International Airport of catalytic converters.
The discovery included crushed powder from the core of a catalytic converter, valued at R21-million.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter says the powder extracted from these converters contain metals such as palladium, rhodium, platinum and gold and is contributing to a new drug craze.
He says through a refinery process these precious metals can also be used for the manufacture of jewellery, weapons and car parts.
Three shipments declared as Ceramic Catalyst Sample were detected and intercepted by Custom's dog detection unit.
Kieswetter says the shipments weighing 2 694kg were destined for Dubai, the United Kingdom and Jordan.
The theft of catalytic converters in some countries has spiked due to its ability to cut the emission of toxic gases that can then be crushed into a fine powder that is used in manufacturing a toxic drug.
Shortly after the discovery, the goods were handed over to the Hawks for further investigation.
