(1)  Where an object seized under this Act and transmitted to the appropriate authority under an arrangement referred to in section 7 is returned to the Commissioner in pursuance of that arrangement, the Commissioner shall, within 28 days after receipt of the object, by notice in writing, require the person from whom the object was seized, or a person appearing to the Commissioner to be the owner of the object, to claim delivery of the object.

(2)  If no claim is made within the 28 days referred to in subsection (1) , the object is forfeited to the Crown.

(3)  Where a person served with a notice under subsection (1) makes a claim for the delivery of an object to which the notice relates the Commissioner shall –

(a) where the object is required by the Commissioner in connection with the investigation of an offence, retain the object for that purpose; and

(b) in any other case –

(i) return the object to the claimant; or

(ii) refer the claim to a court of petty sessions –

and advise the claimant, in writing, accordingly.

(4)  The court of petty sessions may deal with a claim referred to it, under subsection (3) (b) (ii) as if it were an application under section 138 of the Justices Act 1959 .