Disposal of forfeited items

(1) Any property, fish or other item ordered to be forfeited under this Act, at the expiry of the time limited for appeal and if no appeal is lodged, may be– (a) retained; (b) leased; (c) donated to a charitable organization; (d) destroyed; or (e) sold at current market prices by the (i) by tender; or (ii) by agreement approved by the 82 Fisheries Resources provided that if such forfeited item is sold by the Government of Belize the owner or apparent owner prior to forfeiture shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to bid on or purchase such (2) Any property, fish or other item seized under this Act or any monies held pursuant to this Act but not forfeited in any legal proceedings may be held by the Government until all fines, orders for restitution or costs and penalties imposed under this Act have been paid and failing payment within the time allowed be sold and the balance of the proceeds released after deduction of all fines, orders for costs, penalties imposed under this Act and costs of sale. (3) The Fisheries Administrator or a person acting on his or her behalf shall not be liable in any way for any costs incurred or damages sustained as of a decision taken under sub-section (1). (4) The proceeds of any sale of any item forfeited in accordance with this section shall be deposited into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.