Part 7Common enforcement powers etc.: licensing and marine protection etc.

Common enforcement powers of entry, search and seizure

142Retention of seized items

(1)

This section applies to any item seized in the exercise of a power conferred by section 140.

(2)

The item may be retained so long as is necessary in all the circumstances and in particular—

(a)

for use as evidence at a trial for a relevant offence,

(b)

for forensic examination or for investigation in connection with a relevant offence.

(3)

No item may be retained for either of the purposes mentioned in subsection (2) if a photograph or a copy would be sufficient for that purpose.