Provisions relating to seizures

(1) Everything seized as forfeited under this Act shall be deemed and be taken to be forfeited as fully and effectually as if the thing had been condemned by a competent court, and shall be disposed of in a manner as the Comptroller may direct, unless the person from whom the thing has been seized or the owner of it, or any person authorised by him, shall within one month after the seizure, give notice in writing to the Comptroller that he claims such thing. (2) If anything is seized for any cause of forfeiture under this Act and it is alleged that such thing is not liable to forfeiture, the proof thereof shall be on the owner or claimant of the thing. (3) The Comptroller may order delivery of anything seized to the owner or claimant on his entering into a bond in double the value of the thing with two or more sufficient sureties, to be first approved of by the Comptroller, with condition that in 42 the event of the thing seized being condemned, the single penalty of the bond with all costs and expenses shall be forthwith paid to the Proper Authority who shall thereupon cancel and deliver up the bond. (4) If a question arises whether any person is authorised to detain or seize anything under this Act, evidence by that person of his authority to detain or seize such thing shall, unless the contrary is proved, be deemed sufficient without the production of any commission or warrant. (5) The claim to anything seized under this Act shall be heard and determined in a summary way before a magistrate.