138Return of seized things

138 Return of seized things

(1) If an inspector seizes a thing under this Act, the inspector must take reasonable steps to return the thing to the person from whom it was seized if the reason for its seizure no longer exists.

(2) If the thing has not been returned before the end of the retention period, the inspector must take reasonable steps to return it unless—

(a) proceedings have commenced within the retention period and those proceedings (including any appeal) have not been completed; or

(b) a court makes an order under section 139 extending the retention period.