Power of Police to Detain and Search Vehicles, Vessels, etc.

Power of Police to Detain and Search Vehicles, Vessels, etc. (Criminal Procedure Act, Cap. 20 R.E. 2022)

Section 25 provides the authority for police officers to stop, search, and detain certain types of vehicles, vessels, boats, aircraft, and individuals under specific circumstances:

Subsection (1) grants police officers the power to stop, search, and detain any vehicle, vessel, boat, aircraft, or person if there is reasonable cause to suspect that these contain stolen goods, items intended for committing an offence, offensive weapons, articles of disguise, or any items prohibited by law. This allows law enforcement to take immediate action if there is a suspicion of illegal activity or contraband being transported.

Subsection (2) addresses the duration of detention. If, after the time specified in section 50 for questioning a person, no application for an extension is made, or if such an application is denied, the police are required to release the person and return any goods seized from them. This ensures that detentions are not extended beyond the legal time frame unless necessary.

Subsection (3) permits the detention of vehicles, vessels, or aircraft beyond the standard period if a magistrate authorizes an extension of time for interviewing the person involved, particularly if further investigation is needed or the vehicle is to be used as evidence in court proceedings. This provision ensures that important items related to the investigation can be retained for proper legal processing.