1. (a) Alcoholic beverages and other contraband kept, possessed, used, sold, manufactured, stored, or transported in violation of this article:

   1. (1) are subject to seizure and forfeiture; and
   2. (2) when seized, may be recovered or disposed of only as provided in this subtitle.

2. (b) Property is forfeited if it:

   1. (1) was seized as contraband in the possession or control of a defendant who is found guilty of violating this article; or
   2. (2) is otherwise found to be contraband or in violation of this article.

3. (c)

   1. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, property is forfeited if it:

      1. (i) is seized as contraband and remains unclaimed for 30 days after seizure; and
      2. (ii) has not been destroyed in accordance with this subtitle.

   2. (2)

      1. (i) A vehicle, a vessel, or an aircraft that is seized as contraband is forfeited unless a protest is filed within 30 days after the publication under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph.

      2. (ii) The Comptroller or the Executive Director, as appropriate:

         1. 1. if possible, shall notify the registered owner of the property of the seizure; and

         2. 2. shall publish a notice:

            1. A. in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the vehicle, vessel, or aircraft was seized; and
            2. B. informing interested persons of the seizure and the right to file a protest.

Added by Acts 2016, c. 41, § 2, eff. July 1, 2016. Amended by Acts 2020, c. 359, § 1, eff. June 1, 2020; Acts 2020, c. 360, § 1, eff. June 1, 2020; Acts 2023, c. 450, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.