(1)Any person guilty of an offence under this Act for which no special penalty is provided shall be liable on summary convictionF1. . . to a fine not exceeding[F1 level 5 on the standard scale] or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.
(2)Any person who obstructs or impedes an authorised officer or member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in the exercise of any powers conferred on him by or under this Act shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding[F1 level 2 on the standard scale].
(3)If any authorised officer discloses any information obtained by him in the exercise of his powers under this Act, except to persons acting in the execution of this Act, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding[F1 level 3 on the standard scale].
(4)Any person who—
(a)in connection with an application for the issue of a licence or permit under this Act makes any statement or furnishes any information which to his knowledge is in any material respect false or misleading; or
(b)fraudulently alters or uses or causes to be used or permits to be fraudulently altered or used any licence, permit or other document issued or mark or indication prescribed under this Act; or
(c)makes any false or fraudulent statement in any record kept by him or return made by him under or by virtue of this Act;
shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds or to both such imprisonment and such fine.
(5)A prosecution for an offence under this Act shall not be instituted except by or with the consent of the Attorney-General or the Ministry, except—
(a)a prosecution for an offence committed by an officer of the Ministry; or
(b)a prosecution which is required to be taken under the provisions of this Act with respect to the seizure and detention of consignments.