CONFISCATION ACT 1997 - SECT 97B Search and inspection warrant

CONFISCATION ACT 1997 - SECT 97B

    (1)     A magistrate to whom an application is made under section 97A, if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing the matters set out in the application, may issue a search and inspection warrant to the person or persons named in the warrant to enter the specified premises and search for and inspect the specified property.

    (2)     A search and inspection warrant issued under subsection (1) may authorise the person or persons named in the warrant—

        (a)     to enter the premises specified in the warrant; and

        (b)     to search for and inspect the property specified in the warrant; and

        (c)     to break open any receptacle in or on the premises specified in the warrant for the purposes of the search and inspection of the property specified in the warrant, if it is reasonably necessary to do so; and

        (d)     to photograph or record by other means the property specified in the warrant; and

        (e)     to make an inventory of the property specified in the warrant.

    (3)     A search and inspection warrant issued under subsection (1) may authorise the sheriff or a person directed by the sheriff to break and enter the premises specified in the warrant.

    (4)     Nothing in a search and inspection warrant authorises—

        (a)     the seizure of property; or

        (b)     the arrest of a person.

    (5)     There must be stated in a search and inspection warrant—

        (a)     the purpose for which the warrant is issued; and

        (b)     a description of the property authorised to be inspected; and

S. 97B(5)(c) amended by Nos 68/2010 s. 59(2), 79/2014 s. 29.

        (c)     whether a restraining order, a civil forfeiture restraining order, an unexplained wealth restraining order or an embargo notice relates to the property or whether the property is forfeited under this Act; and

        (d)     the address or other description of the premises in respect of which the warrant is issued.

    (6)     Every search and inspection warrant issued under subsection (1) must be in the prescribed form.

S. 97C inserted by No. 63/2003 s. 27.