Return of seized things
16 Return of seized things
If a seized thing has not been forfeited, the inspector must return it to its owner—
if proceedings involving the thing are started within 6 months after the thing is seized—at the end of the proceedings and any appeal from the proceedings; or
otherwise—
6 months after the thing is seized; or
at the end of any longer time for which the thing may be kept under subclause (3).
Despite subclause (1), unless the thing has been forfeited, the inspector must immediately return a thing seized as evidence to its owner if the inspector is no longer satisfied its continued retention as evidence is necessary.
If the seized thing is a document, the inspector may keep it while the inspector is satisfied it is needed, or may be needed, for the purposes of—
a proceeding for an offence against this Law that is likely to be started or that has been started but not completed; or
an appeal from a decision in a proceeding for an offence against this
Law.
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