§7324 Special disposition of perishable goods

Summary

When property taken under sections 7301 or 7302 is likely to spoil, lose lots of value, or cost too much to keep, the owner or the U.S. marshal can ask the Secretary to inspect it. If the Secretary thinks it must be sold to avoid waste or expense, the Secretary must appraise it. The owner can get the property back by giving a bond equal to the appraised value that promises to follow the court’s final decision and pay what the court orders; the bond is filed with the U.S. attorney. If the owner refuses, the Secretary will order a Treasury officer, employee, or the marshal to sell the property quickly under the Secretary’s rules. After reasonable seizure and sale costs are taken out, the money goes to the court to await its final order. Rules about bond form and sureties are in section 7101.