Section 21: Power of entry, search, seizure and arrest without warrant

21. Power of entry, search, seizure and arrest without warrant.__ (1) Where an officer, not below the rank of Sub-Inspector of Police or equivalent authorized in this behalf by the Federal Government or the Provincial Government, who from his personal knowledge or from information given to him by any person is of opinion that any narcotic drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance in respect of which an offence punishable under this Act has been committed is kept or concealed in any building, place, premises or conveyance, and a warrant for arrest or search cannot be obtained against such person without affording him an opportunity for the concealment of evidence or facility for his escape, such officer may— (a) enter into any such building, place, premises or conveyance; (b) break-open any door and remove any other obstacle to such entry in case of resistance; (c) seize such narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and controlled substances and other materials used in the manufacture thereof and any other article which he has reason to believe to be liable to confiscation under this Act and any document or other article which he has reason to believe may furnish evidence of the commission of an offence punishable under this Act; and (d) detain, search and, if he thinks proper, arrest any person whom he has reason to believe to have committed an offence punishable under this Act. (2) Before or immediately after taking any action under sub-section (1), the officer referred to in that sub-section shall record the grounds and basis of his information and proposed action and forthwith send a copy thereof to his immediate superior officer.

Effective date: 1997-07-11

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