57-30-7: Inspection of records by peace officers; holds on property.

A. Upon request, a secondhand metal dealer shall produce to a peace officer during the dealer's usual business hours the requested record of purchase as required by Section 57-30-5 NMSA 1978.

B. If a peace officer determines, through an investigation or examination of the records kept by the secondhand metal dealer, that the dealer may be in possession of stolen property or property that constitutes evidence in a criminal investigation, the peace officer may place a hold on the property prohibiting the sale or removal of the property from the premises. The hold may remain in effect for up to five days or until the hold is lifted or the property is seized, whichever occurs earlier.

C. The inspecting peace officer shall inform the secondhand metal dealer of the person's status as a peace officer.