When a vehicle or object is seized from a transporter, an officer has to make reasonable efforts to find and notify the lawful owner. Getting it back takes one of three things: paying its value at the time of seizure plus the seizure and detention costs, posting the security or paying the debts owed, or proving the transporter is now meeting its obligations and has repaid the government's expenses.
(1)Following a seizure under subsection 148(2) of the Act, an officer shall make reasonable efforts to (a)identify the lawful owner of the object seized; and (b)give notice of the seizure to that person.
(2)A thing seized under subsection 148(2) of the Act shall be disposed of by (a)returning the object to the transporter on receipt of(i)an amount equal to the value of the object at the time of seizure and any expenses incurred in the seizure and, if applicable, detention,(ii)the security required under the Act or any costs and fees for which the transporter is liable, as well as an amount equal to any expenses incurred in the seizure and, if applicable, detention, or(iii)evidence that the transporter is in compliance with its obligations under subsection 148(1) of the Act and has reimbursed Her Majesty in right of Canada for any expenses incurred in the seizure and, if applicable, detention; or (b)disposing of the object under section 287.