161Power to destroy seized things

161 Power to destroy seized things

161 Power to destroy seized things

(1) An authorised officer may destroy or dispose of a thing if—

(a) the thing was seized under this part, and

(b) the thing is no longer required as evidence in proceedings.

(2) If the authorised officer decides to destroy or dispose of the thing—

(a) the thing immediately becomes property of the State, and

(b) compensation is not payable for—

(i) the transfer of ownership of the thing, or

(ii) the destruction or disposal of the thing, and

(c) duty is not payable for the transfer, and

(d) the authorised officer must, as soon as practicable, tell the person who owned the thing immediately before the thing’s seizure, about the destruction or disposal, unless—

(i) the authorised officer is not able to find the person after making reasonable inquiries, or

(ii) it is otherwise impracticable or unreasonable to tell the person.

(3) This section does not limit an authorised officer’s power to destroy a thing occurring in the exercise of another power for an authorised purpose.