Stone County Sheriff's Department
Public service announcement: If you’re going to sell something on social media it’s a good idea not to include illegal drugs in the photo selling something legal. One online entrepreneur found out the hard way when selling a catalytic converter on Facebook Marketplace – while also showing off a large bag of meth.
A Missouri man was arrested last week after authorities were alerted that he was in possession of a stash of crystal methamphetamine. The suspect – who ironically lives in The Show-Me State – was his own worst enemy by posting a sales photo for a catalytic converter that also included a bag of meth. As Mike Tyson would say, “He really methed up.”
The photo included the illegal drugs, a large spoon, a syringe, and a scale. What if he was selling meth but forgot to hide the catalytic converter?
Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader said someone tipped them off to the meth photobomb after seeing the ad on Facebook.
“Last night one of our Stone County residents posted a catalytic converter for sale on Marketplace. Apparently he must have been under the influence because in the background of his picture he posted, he left his large bag of meth and syringe on the coffee table,” Sheriff Rader said.
“We arrived at this gentleman’s house with a search warrant,” Rader wrote on Facebook. “You can imagine his surprise. He still had 48 grams of meth and a pistol that he is forbidden to own.”
“We have now provided him a new place to stay,” the sheriff said. “Sorry folks, his catalytic converters are not for sale right now.”
Rader delivered an important PSA: “Take note, if you are selling items on social media, make sure your drugs are not in the background!”
James Kertz, 38, was taken into custody on Wednesday after the self-inflicted drug bust. Kertz, of Reeds Spring, was charged with trafficking drugs and unlawful possession of a firearm, according to Stone County Sheriff’s Office online booking records.
The moral of the story is to hide your meth, hide your scale, and hide your needles too,
Catalytic converters have made national headlines in recent weeks over the massive surge of thefts of the car part – skyrocketing by nearly 300%. Nationwide, thefts of catalytic converter thefts have reportedly increased from 4,500 to 18,000 between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021 — about 293%.
The thieves – many of which steal catalytic converters to pay for their drug habit – sell the catalytic converters because they have metals worth a fortune.
The three metals used in catalytic converters are rhodium, platinum, and palladium. Rhodium is valued at $11,650 per ounce, according to Moneymetals.com. Palladium is worth $1,910 per ounce, according to Monex; platinum is valued at $966.
Catalytic converters are selling for as much as $1,200 each, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.