66Powers of entry and search

66 Powers of entry and search

(1)  If an authorized officer has reason to believe that any thing which the authorized officer is entitled to seize under this Act is in or on any premises, conveyance or container, the authorized officer may search the premises, conveyance or container.

(2)  For the purposes of conducting a search under this section in a conveyance, an authorized officer –

(a) may require that conveyance to be stopped; and

(b) may bring it, or cause or require it to be brought, to some convenient place for the search to be carried out.

(3)  In exercising the powers conferred, or in performing the duties imposed, by section 65 or this section, an authorized officer may, without warrant, do any or all of the following things at all reasonable times:

(a) enter any premises, conveyance or container;

(b) in any premises, conveyance or container lawfully entered, search for, examine and make copies of, or take extracts from, any document that appears to indicate that an offence under this Act has been, or is being, committed;

(c) in any premises, conveyance or container lawfully entered, open any container.

(4)  For the purpose of facilitating the exercise of powers under this section in respect of any premises, conveyance or container, an authorized officer may require the person apparently in charge of the premises, conveyance or container, or any person apparently employed in or on the premises or conveyance, to give the authorized officer such assistance as the officer requires.

(5)  A person must not, without reasonable excuse (proof of which lies on that person), refuse or fail to comply with any requirements made by an authorized officer under this section.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or both.

(6)  In exercising the powers conferred, or in performing the duties imposed, by section 65 or this section, an authorized officer must not enter any premises, or any part of any premises, used as a principal residence except where the officer has obtained a warrant under subsection (7) or the permission of the occupier to enter the residence.