Dangerous Substances Act, 1972

Destruction of substances seized.

45.—(1) Where an inspector seizes any substance under the authority of this Act and it appears to him that it would be dangerous to retain it until the matter can be dealt with by the court, then, subject to the provisions of this section, he may destroy the substance.

(2) Unless, in the opinion of the inspector, it would be dangerous or impracticable to do so, the inspector shall, before destroying the substance, produce it to a peace commissioner and make before him a statutory declaration identifying the substance and stating his reasons for destroying it.

(3) Where the inspector destroys the substance without so producing it he shall, as soon as possible, make a statutory declaration as aforesaid.

(4) A statutory declaration under this section shall be prima facie evidence in every court of all matters of fact stated therein.

(5) Where an inspector makes a statutory declaration under this section in relation to any substance, he shall deliver a copy of the declaration to the person, if any, appearing to him to be the owner of the substance.