143Seized items

143 Seized items (1) If an authorised officer has taken a thing under section 139, 140 or 141 or under a search warrant under section 142, the authorised officer must take reasonable steps to return the thing to the person from whom it was taken if the reason for the taking no longer exists. (2) If the thing has not been returned within 60 days after it was taken, the authorised officer must take reasonable steps to return it unless— (a) proceedings have been commenced within the period of 60 days and those proceedings (including any appeal) have not been completed; or (b) the Magistrates' Court makes an order under section 144 extending the period the thing can be retained. (3) If an authorised officer has taken a thing under section 139, 140 or 141 or under a search warrant under section 142, the authorised officer must provide the owner of the thing with reasonable access to the thing. S. 144 inserted by No. 37/2019 s. 8.