37.—(1) For the purpose of ascertaining whether any offence under this Act or any rules made thereunder has been or is being committed, any authorised officer may, on producing, if so requested, an identification card —
(a)
enter and inspect any land or premises and examine any plant, plant product, package, soil or article thereon at all reasonable times;
(b)
stop, examine, board, enter or detain any conveyance used for carrying any plant, plant product or package;
(c)
take, without payment, any sample of any plant, plant product or soil;
(d)
seize, remove or detain any plant, plant product, package, pest or soil; or
(e)
break open any hold, compartment or container or other receptacle including any place that could be used as a receptacle.
[32/98]
(2) The owner or occupier of any land, premises or conveyance shall, if requested by an authorised officer, provide reasonable assistance to the authorised officer for the purpose of the exercise of his powers under this section and furnish any information relating to the land or premises which is reasonably required by the authorised officer for the purposes of the discharge of his duties under this Act.
[32/98]
(3) A police officer may arrest without warrant any person who has committed or whom he reasonably suspects to have committed an offence under this Act or any rules made thereunder —
(a)
if the person refuses to give his name and address; or
(b)
if there is reason to doubt the accuracy of the name and address, if given.
(4) A person arrested under this section may be detained until his name and address are correctly ascertained except that no person shall be detained longer than is necessary for bringing him before a court.
(5) Any person who obstructs or hinders any authorised officer in the exercise of any of his powers under this Act or any rules made thereunder shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both.