Forfeiture of controlled drugs, controlled substances and articles seized
27.—(1) Where anything is seized under this Act, the officer who carried out the seizure shall immediately give notice in writing of the seizure to the owner of that thing, if known, either by delivering the notice to him personally or by post at his place of residence, if known.
(2) The notice under subsection (1) shall not be required to be given where the seizure is made in the presence of the offender or the owner or his agent, or in the case of a ship or an aircraft, in the presence of the master or captain thereof.
(3) An order for the forfeiture of any controlled drug, controlled substance or article shall be made if it is proved to the satisfaction of a court that an offence under this Act has been committed and that such drug, substance or article was the subject matter of or was used in the commission of the offence notwithstanding that no person may have been convicted of that offence.
[20/98]
(4) If there is no prosecution with regard to any controlled drug, controlled substance or article seized under this Act, that drug, substance or article shall be deemed to be forfeited at the expiration of one month from the date of the seizure thereof unless a claim thereto has been made before that date in such manner as may be prescribed.