Revised Laws of Saint Lucia (2022)

629.   Power to seize counterfeit notes

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    (1)   If a person finds or discovers, in any place, or in the custody or possession of another person who has no lawful authority or excuse—

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      (a)     a false or counterfeit note resembling, or apparently intended to resemble or pass for, any of the notes of the State or any foreign State or country;

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      (b)     a instrument, tool, or device whatsoever adapted and intended for counterfeiting of such note,

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    it is lawful for the person who so finds or discovers any of the things mentioned in this subsection, to seize and bring it forthwith before a magistrate.

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    (2)   Where it is proved, on the oath of a credible witness, before any magistrate that there is reasonable cause to suspect that any person—

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      (a)     has been involved in counterfeiting the note referred to in subsection (1);

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      (b)     has in his or her custody or possession—

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        (i)     any such false or counterfeit note,

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        (ii)     any instrument, tool or device whatsoever adapted and intended for making or counterfeiting of any such note,

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        (iii)     any other machine used or intended to be used for making or counterfeiting any such note,

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    it is lawful for a magistrate by warrant under his or her hand, to cause any place belonging to or occupied by, or under the control of, the suspected person to be searched, either in the day or in the night, and if any false or counterfeit note, or any instrument, tool, or device, or any machine, is or are found in any place so searched, to cause them to be seized and brought forthwith before a magistrate.

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    (3)   Where any item referred to in subsection (1) is seized and brought before a magistrate, the magistrate shall, if necessary, cause it to be secured for the purpose of being produced in evidence against any person who may be prosecuted for any offence relating to note.

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    (4)   Any such item after it has been produced in evidence, or if it is not required to be produced in evidence, shall forthwith be delivered to the Accountant General or to any person authorised by him or her to receive it.