Section 56: Seizure of substances without search and seizure warrant
236.This section contains a free-standing power to seize, without warrant, a substance reasonably suspected as being intended for use as a drug-cutting agent. This will enable a police or customs officer to seize such substances when they are lawfully on premises for some other purpose, for example, a customs officer undertaking a search for prohibited or restricted goods when operating at port or where an officer is executing a warrant issued under PACE in relation to a non-drug related offence and discovers substances suspected of being used as a drug-cutting agent in the course of the search. The subsequent provisions of this Part in respect of retention and forfeiture will apply in equal measure to substances seized under a search and seizure warrant and to those seized under this free standing power.