Disposal of seized gold dore bars stayed where purity reports conflicted and ownership was disputed pending adjudication.

Seized gold dore bars were the subject of a request to disposal pending adjudication, amid conflicting purity reports and a claim of lawful ownership by the importer. The order notes that the disposal guidelines require expeditious action where title is disputed, and that the prescribed disposal period had already expired without a response from the investigating agency. On those facts, the request to prevent disposal was accepted, and disposal of the seized gold bars was stayed until further orders, with the matter listed for expeditious final hearing.

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Issues: Whether the seized gold dore bars should be permitted to be disposed of pending adjudication and final submissions.

Analysis: The order records conflicting purity reports regarding the seized gold dore bars and notes that the importer claims lawful ownership. It also notes that the departmental disposal guidelines contemplate expeditious adjudication where title is disputed, and that the prescribed period for disposal had already expired without a response from the investigating agency. In these circumstances, the request to prevent disposal was found to merit acceptance.

Outcome: Disposal of the seized gold bars was stayed until further orders, and the matter was listed for expeditious final hearing.

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