18Warrants in ScotlandU.K.
(1)If, on an application made by the procurator fiscal, it appears to the sheriff—
(a)that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that an offence under the law of a country outside the United Kingdom has been committed, and
(b)that the conduct constituting the offence would, if it occurred in Scotland, constitute an offence punishable by imprisonment,
the sheriff has the like power to grant warrant authorising entry, search and seizure by any constable or customs officer as he has under section 134 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46) in respect of any offence punishable at common law in Scotland.
(2)But an application for a warrant by virtue of subsection (1) may be made only—
(a)in pursuance of a direction given under section 13, or
(b)if it is an application made at the request of an international joint investigation team for the purposes of their investigation.
“International joint investigation team” has the meaning given by [F1 section 99(1) of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 ].
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 18(2) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 42(2)
Commencement Information
I1S. 18 in force at 26.4.2004 by S.I. 2004/786, art. 3