(2) The authorised person must return
the seized thing to an owner—
(a) generally—at the end of 1 year after the
seizure; or
(b) if a proceeding for an offence involving the thing is started
within the 1 year—at the end of the proceeding and any appeal from the
proceeding.
(3) Despite subsection (2) , if the thing was seized as evidence,
the authorised person must return the thing seized to an owner as soon as
practicable after the authorised person is satisfied—
(a) its continued
retention as evidence is no longer required; and
(b) its continued retention
is not necessary to prevent it being used to continue, or repeat, an offence
against this Act; and
(c) it is lawful for the owner to possess it.
(4)
Nothing in this section affects a lien or other security over the seized
thing.