Enforcement of inspections at point of entry

(1) Any designated officer authorized to enforce the provisions of this Act, if he has reason to believe that any person, luggage, receptacle, or carrier coming into or moving within Belize possesses, contains or carries any restricted article or non-plant article that constitutes a risk to the agriculture or natural resources of Belize, the entry of which is prohibited or restricted by the provisions of this Act or Regulations issued thereunder, shall be authorized to stop and, without warrant, to search and examine such persons, luggage, receptacles or carriers and seize, detain, disinfect, destroy or otherwise dispose of such restricted article or non-plant article brought into or moving within Belize in contravention of this Act or any Regulations made thereunder. (2) Any designated officer may direct or authorize the disinfection, treatment or fumigation of carriers suspected of harbouring any plant pests. (3) The designated officer may permit the owner of any restricted article or any non-plant article that constitutes a risk to the agriculture or natural resources of Belize to return the restricted article or non-plant article to the country of origin within such time as may be specified by the designated officer. 36