28-A M.R.S. §2230: Abandonment of liquor

The following provisions govern the procedures for handling abandoned liquor.

1. Bureau as repository. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the bureau acts as a repository for all liquor found abandoned in this State.

2. Procedure. A law enforcement agency that takes custody of abandoned liquor shall:

A. Notify the bureau that the agency has taken custody of the abandoned liquor and forward to the bureau the reason for taking custody and a complete list of the quantities and types of liquor in the agency's custody the day the law enforcement agency takes custody or the next regular business day; and

B. Secure the liquor for a period of 30 days, after which time the agency shall transfer the liquor to the bureau for disposal.

3. Filing a claim. A person who wishes to file a claim for abandoned liquor must notify the bureau in writing within the 30-day period prescribed in subsection 2, paragraph B and identify the abandoned liquor. If a claim is not made within the 30-day period, the abandoned liquor becomes the property of the State.