46 Power of search with warrant. E+W+S
(1)If a justice of the peace or, in Scotland, the sheriff . . . F1, is satisfied by information on oath that there is reasonable ground for suspecting that an offence relevant for the purposes of this section has been, is being, or is about to be committed, he may grant a search warrant authorising a constable [F2named therein]—
(a)to enter at any time any premises or place named in the warrant, if necessary by force, and to search the premises or place and every person found there;
(b)to seize and detain any firearm [F3, imitation firearm] or ammunition which he may find on the premises or place, or on any such person, in respect of which or in connection with which he has reasonable ground for suspecting that an offence relevant for the purposes of this section has been, is being or is about to be committed; and
(c)if the premises are those of a registered firearms dealer, to examine any books relating to the business.
(2)The offences relevant for the purposes of this section are all offences under this Act except an offence under section 22(3) or an offence relating specifically to air weapons.
Textual Amendments
F1Words repealed by Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65), Sch. 29
F2Words repealed (E.W.) by Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (c. 60, SIF 95), s. 121(1), Sch. 7 Pt. I
F3Words in s. 46(1)(b) inserted (21.9.1994) by 1994 c. 31, ss. 2(2), 4(2) (with s. 4(3))
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 46 applied by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 (c. 45, SIF 51:1), s. 25(5)