Federal · Title 26 — Internal Revenue Code

26 U.S.C. § 5609: Destruction of unregistered stills, distilling apparatus, equipment, and materials

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute authorizes law enforcement officers to destroy seized unregistered distilling equipment and untaxed spirits when storage is impractical, with a witness present and report required.

Read the full statutory text

In the case of seizure elsewhere than on premises qualified under this chapter of any unregistered still, distilling or fermenting equipment or apparatus, or distilling or fermenting material, for any offense involving forfeiture of the same, where it shall be impracticable to remove the same to a place of safe storage from the place where seized, the seizing officer is authorized to destroy the same. In the case of seizure, other than on premises qualified under this chapter or in transit thereto or therefrom, of any distilled spirits on which the tax has not been paid or determined, for any offense involving forfeiture of the same, the seizing officer is authorized to destroy the distilled spirits forthwith. Any destruction under this subsection shall be in the presence of at least one credible witness. The seizing officer shall make such report of said seizure and destruction and take such samples as the Secretary may require. such property had not been used in violation of law; or any unlawful use of such property had been without his consent or knowledge,

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