Serious Crime Act 2015

Seizure

55 Seizure of substances under search and seizure warrant

A police or customs officer searching premises under a search and seizure warrant may seize any substance on the premises that the officer has reasonable grounds to suspect is intended for use as a drug-cutting agent.

56 Seizure of substances without search and seizure warrant

If a police or customs officer—

(a) is lawfully on premises that are not subject to a search and seizure warrant, and

(b) finds a substance there that the officer has reasonable grounds to suspect is intended for use as a drug-cutting agent,

the officer may seize the substance.

57 Notice to be given where substances seized

(1) An officer who has seized a substance under section 55 or 56 must make reasonable efforts to give written notice—

(a) to the person from whom the substance was seized, and

(b) if the officer thinks that the substance may belong to a different person, to that person.

(2) A notice under subsection (1) must explain the effect of sections 59, 60, 61 and 63.

58 Containers

(1) An officer who seizes a substance under section 55 or 56 may also seize any container holding the substance.

(2) If a container is seized under this section, reasonable efforts must be made to return it to—

(a) the person from whom it was seized, or

(b) (if different) a person to whom it belongs.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply—

(a) if the container appears to be of negligible value,

(b) if it is not practicable for the container to be returned, or

(c) while the container is or may be needed for use as evidence at a trial for an offence.