106Release of seized things

106 Release of seized things

106 Release of seized things

(1) A seized thing must be released at the end of the period of 6 months after the seizure (the return period) unless, before the end of the return period, the thing is forfeited to the State under this Part.

(2) The Health Secretary may, by written notice given to the apparent owner, extend the return period for a particular seized thing.

(3) A seized thing may be released—

(a) by or at the direction of—

(i) the authorised officer who seized the thing, or

(ii) the Health Secretary, and

(b) to the owner of the thing or the person who had possession, care, custody or control of the thing at the time the thing was seized.

(4) This section does not—

(a) require the release of a seized thing that was damaged or destroyed during analysis, or

(b) prevent a seized thing from being released before the end of the return period.