217Return or forfeiture of things seized

217 Return or forfeiture of things seized (1) A thing seized under this part must be returned to its owner, or reasonable compensation must be paid by the Territory to the owner for the loss of the thing, if a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is not started within 1 year after the day the thing is seized. (2) If a prosecution for an offence relating to a thing seized under this part is started within 1 year after the day the thing is seized, and the prosecution is not successful, the thing must be returned to its owner.

Enforcement—miscellaneous Division 14.5 (3) A thing seized under this part is forfeited to the Territory if there is no requirement under this section— (a) to return the thing to the person from whom it was seized; or (b) to pay compensation for the thing. (4) A thing forfeited to the Territory may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the registrar directs.