§5688 Disposition and Release of Seized Property

Summary

All distilled spirits, wine, and beer that are forfeited under U.S. law must be sent to the Administrator of General Services. The Administrator must either give them to government agencies that need them for medical, scientific, mechanical, or other official uses; give them to charitable institutions that need them for medical purposes; or destroy them. They cannot be disposed of any other way except after forfeiture and under these rules. The Administrator can make the rules needed to do this. This does not stop the Secretary from reducing, forgiving, or settling forfeiture claims or related customs or internal-revenue cases before a suit starts. Alcohol sold by court order or by distraint must be sold subject to tax, and the buyer must pay the tax immediately before taking possession, under the tax rules and regulations. A court may refuse to return a seized vessel or vehicle on bond if the United States shows good cause. Vessel: any watercraft used on water or on water and in air. Vehicle: any animal, carriage, or device used on land or through the air.