129Return of seized documents and things

129 Return of seized documents and things

(1) An authorised officer or independent investigator must take reasonable steps to return a document or thing seized under this Part if the reason for its seizure no longer exists.

(2) If the document or thing has not been returned within 6 months after it was seized, the authorised officer or independent investigator must take reasonable steps to return it unless—

(a) a proceeding for the purpose for which the document or thing was retained has commenced within that 6-month period and the proceeding (including any appeal) has not been completed; or

(b) the Magistrates' Court makes an order under section 130 extending the period the document or thing can be retained; or

(c) the document or thing is forfeited by its owner.

(3) This section does not apply to a document or thing seized under this Part that is forfeited under section 131.