Detention, seizure and confiscation :
‘Detention’ means the goods are temporarily detained by officers to check whether there is any violation of law. If there is any violation, goods are seized. Otherwise, goods are released. Often ‘detention’ is only by verbal instructions and goods can be released without any formality, if the documents etc. are found to be in order.
‘Seizure’ means goods are taken in custody by the department.’Confiscation’ means the goods become property of Government and Government can deal with it as it wants. On the other hand ‘seizure’ means goods are in custody of Government, but the property of goods remains with the owner. Contravening goods are liable to confiscation. Conveyance involved in offense is also liable to confiscation.
Goods confiscated by Government can be taken back on payment of redemption fine.