liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both.
Powers of arrest
18. A protector may, during or after any inquiry referred to in section 7, 14 or 17, arrest or cause to be arrested any person reasonably believed to have committed an offence under section 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 or 13 and may seize and detain any article or document which he may have reason to believe relates to the offence.
General
Powers of search
19.—(1) A protector or any officer generally or specially authorised in that behalf in writing by a protector may enter and for that purpose may use such force as may be reasonably necessary, and search any vessel, house, building, land, enclosure or other place where he has reasonable cause to suspect that an offence under this Act or any regulations made thereunder has been or is being committed.
(2) Any person who obstructs or hinders or attempts to obstruct a protector or any such officer in the exercise of the powers conferred by this section shall be guilty of an offence.
When court may take cognizance of offence
20. No court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under this Act except with the written sanction of the Public Prosecutor or a Deputy Public Prosecutor or upon a complaint made by—
- (a) a protector;
- (b) a Magistrate;
- (c) a Justice of the Peace;
- (d) a police officer not below the rank of sergeant; or
- (e) any other person authorised in writing by the Minister or by a protector, either by name or office, to make complaint of any offence under this Act.
