17 Entry, search and seizure.E+W+S+N.I.
(1)If a justice of the peace is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting—
(a)that an offence under this Act has been or is being committed on any premises, and
(b)that evidence that the offence has been or is being committed is on those premises,
he may issue a warrant under his hand authorising any constable to enter and search the premises [F1within one month from the date of issue of the warrant].
(2)A constable entering or searching any premises in pursuance of a warrant under subsection (1) above may use reasonable force if necessary and may seize anything found there which he has reasonable grounds to believe may be required to be used in evidence in any proceedings for an offence under this Act.
(3)In subsection (1) above—
(a)the reference to a justice of the peace is, in Scotland, a reference to the sheriff or a justice of the peace and, in Northern Ireland, a reference to a resident magistrate, and
(b)the reference to information is, in Scotland, a reference to evidence and, in Northern Ireland, a reference to a complaint.
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Amendments (Textual)
F1Words in s. 17(1) repealed (E.W.N.I.) (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(1)(3), Sch. 9 para. 23(b), Sch. 11; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2, Sch. 1
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 17(2): powers of seizure extended (prosp.) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 50, 52-54, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 34
S. 17(2): powers of seizure extended (prosp.) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 50, 51, 55, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 3 para. 103 (with s. 57(3))