Peer-to-peer selling platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craiglist are incredible things that have unlocked an entire world of treasure hunts, Firebird barn finds, and screaming good deals. However, unlike normal retailers, these personal sales ads require the seller to take their own photos, which are often in their homes, garages, or other personal places. As one catalytic converter dealer on Facebook Marketplace learned the hard way, you have to make sure your area is clean of incriminating items before taking photos. 

Facebook Marketplace catalytic converter sale leads to jail time and you’re wrong about why

For the last few years, catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed. As with most Sawzall-related crimes, meth is also a key player in the recent rash of catalytic converter thefts. However, in this Facebook Marketplace incident, meth is involved but probably not in the way you are thinking. 

Take a moment and see if you can spot why this photo attracted the attention of the police. Spotted it yet? 

There is no indication that the converter was stolen or acquired by any other nefarious means, as one might fairly assume. No, this catalytic converter dealer has a much more direct association with meth than someone stealing car parts to score. 

In the top right of the photo in the ad is a massive bag of meth complete with a spoon and syringe.

Never leave your meth on the table

The Drive reports that Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader told CNN, “Last night one of our Stone County residents posted a catalytic converter for sale on [Facebook] Marketplace. he must have been under the influence because, in the background of the picture he posted, he left his large bag of meth and syringe on the coffee table.”

Further reports from the Sheriff suggest that the suspect got arrested after the police department got tipped off about the Facebook Marketplace listing by a local. When the cops arrived at the suspect’s house, they found 48 grams of methamphetamine, other paraphernalia, and an illegal pistol. 

The arresting Sheriff then took to social media himself to tell the story. “Today, we arrived at this gentleman’s house with a search warrant. 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. Sorry folks, his catalytic converters are not for sale right now,” Rader posted. The Missouri man was reportedly held in county lockup with no bond and charged with possession of a controlled substance and probation/parole violation.

Why are catalytic converters such a hotbed for crime? 

Thanks to a little precious metal called Palladium, folks have been hungry to swipe as many catalytic converters as possible. A CC converts toxins into less harmful byproducts, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide. Because of its environmental benefits, many nations require them on all cars. Also, China has raised the amount of Palladium in each one, making the price of the metal skyrocket. 

Since every car has a CC that is exposed and easily cut off, criminals are taking advantage of the value jump. 

Although there is a stereotype of people stealing catalytic converts for drug money, this one here, although not stolen, seems to draw an easy, one-to-one connection between the two things.