1. a. All tobacco products subject to the tax imposed under P.L.1990, c.39 (C. 54:40B-1 et seq.), on which the tax has not been paid as required by section 4 or section 5 of P.L.1990, c.39 (C. 54:40B-4 and 54:40B-5), found in any place in this State are declared to be prima facie contraband goods and may be seized by the director, the director’s agents or employees, or by any peace officer of this State, when so ordered by the director, without a warrant.

b. The director may order the return of any seized tobacco product when the director shall have reason to believe, upon the presentation of satisfactory proof, that the owner has not willfully or intentionally evaded any tax imposed by P.L.1990, c.39 (C. 54:40B-1 et seq.). Any tobacco product seized under the provisions of this section shall be disposed of according to law.

c. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the director shall destroy any seized untaxed tobacco product not subject to other disposition pursuant to P.L.1990, c.39 (C. 54:40B-1 et seq.).

(2) As an alternative to destruction, the director may resell any untaxed tobacco product to the manufacturer of that tobacco product, but such tobacco product shall be resold only for export or destruction.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the director may authorize the use for law enforcement purposes of any untaxed tobacco products forfeited in accordance with this section.

d. The seizure and sale of any untaxed tobacco product under the provisions of this section shall not relieve any person from a fine, imprisonment or other penalty for violation of any of the provisions of P.L.1990, c.39 (C. 54:40B-1 et seq.). The director, the director’s agents or employees, and any peace officer of this State, when so ordered, shall not in any way be responsible in any court for the seizure or the confiscation of any untaxed tobacco product.

L.2011, c.80, s.1.