Search warrants

(1) Any member of the Belize Police Department or any public officer appointed under section 22 may apply for a search warrant where the consent of the person who is in control of any place cannot be obtained. (2) Subject to sub-section (3) a Magistrate who is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that– (a) a place referred to in section 19 meets the conditions for entry described in that section; and 19 (b) entry to the place is necessary for the purpose of exercising any function contemplated, or any power provided for, in the Convention or any applicable facility agreement; and (c) the consent of the person who is in control of the place cannot be obtained, may issue, unconditionally or subject to conditions, a warrant authorizing the entry of the place, at any time within fourteen days of the issue of the warrant (or within such further time as may be specified in the warrant) by the international inspector (and any public officer authorized to accompany the international inspector), for the purpose of exercising any function contemplated, or any power provided for, in the Convention or any applicable facility agreement. (3) The person applying for a warrant under sub-section (2)– (a) shall first make reasonable inquiries as to whether any other applications for such a warrant have been made in respect of the place concerned, and, if so, the following matters, (i) the offence or offences, if any, alleged in respect of each application; and (ii) the results of each application; and (b) shall disclose on the application for the warrant the results of the inquiries.