1. A peace officer or investigator who is involved in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity may place a written hold on any property in the possession of a secondhand dealer that is related or allegedly related to the criminal activity.
2. While a hold is placed on property pursuant to this section, the secondhand dealer shall not remove or dispose of the property to any person other than the peace officer or investigator who placed the hold on the property. A peace officer or investigator who placed a hold on property may obtain custody of the property from the secondhand dealer if the peace officer or investigator:
(a) Has obtained written authorization from the prosecuting attorney which includes, without limitation, a description of the property and an acknowledgment of the secondhand dealer’s interest in the property; and
(b) Provides a copy of the written authorization to the secondhand dealer.
3. Property received by a peace officer or investigator pursuant to this section may be disposed of only in the manner set forth in NRS 52.385 or 179.125 to 179.165, inclusive.
4. A peace officer or investigator who places a hold on property pursuant to this section shall notify the secondhand dealer in writing when the investigation or prosecution has concluded or when the hold is no longer necessary, whichever occurs sooner.
(Added to NRS by 2003, 653)