---
kind: "section"
citation: "18 U.S.C. § 176"
title: "18"
title_heading: "Crimes and Criminal Procedure"
number: "176"
heading: "Seizure, forfeiture, and destruction"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/18/176"
units:
  - "Part I — Crimes"
  - "Chapter 10 — Biological Weapons"
---

# §176. Seizure, forfeiture, and destruction

- (a) **In General.—**
  - (1) Except as provided in [paragraph (2)](#a-2), the [Attorney General](/usc/18/841.md?p=k) may request the issuance, in the same manner as provided for a search warrant, of a warrant authorizing the seizure of any [biological agent](/usc/18/178.md?p=1), [toxin](/usc/18/178.md?p=2), or [delivery system](/usc/18/178.md?p=3) that—
    - (A) pertains to conduct prohibited under [section 175 of this title](/usc/18/175.md); or
    - (B) is of a type or in a quantity that under the circumstances has no apparent justification for prophylactic, protective, or other peaceful purposes.
  - (2) In exigent circumstances, seizure and destruction of any [biological agent](/usc/18/178.md?p=1), [toxin](/usc/18/178.md?p=2), or [delivery system](/usc/18/178.md?p=3) described in subparagraphs [(A)](#a-1-A) and [(B)](#a-1-B) of paragraph (1) may be made upon probable cause without the necessity for a warrant.
- (b) **Procedure.—** Property seized pursuant to [subsection (a)](#a) shall be forfeited to the [United States](/usc/18/229F.md?p=9) after notice to potential claimants and an opportunity for a hearing. At such hearing, the Government shall bear the burden of persuasion by a preponderance of the evidence. Except as inconsistent herewith, the same procedures and provisions of law relating to a forfeiture under the customs laws shall extend to a seizure or forfeiture under this section. The [Attorney General](/usc/18/841.md?p=k) may provide for the destruction or other appropriate disposition of any [biological agent](/usc/18/178.md?p=1), [toxin](/usc/18/178.md?p=2), or [delivery system](/usc/18/178.md?p=3) seized and forfeited pursuant to this section.
- (c) **Affirmative Defense.—** It is an affirmative defense against a forfeiture under [subsection (a)(1)(B)](#a-1-B) of this section that—
  - (1) such [biological agent](/usc/18/178.md?p=1), [toxin](/usc/18/178.md?p=2), or [delivery system](/usc/18/178.md?p=3) is for a prophylactic, protective, or other peaceful purpose; and
  - (2) such [biological agent](/usc/18/178.md?p=1), [toxin](/usc/18/178.md?p=2), or [delivery system](/usc/18/178.md?p=3), is of a type and quantity reasonable for that purpose.

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 101–298, § 3(a), May 22, 1990, 104 Stat. 202; amended Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330010(16), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2144; Pub. L. 107–188, title II, § 231(c)(3), June 12, 2002, 116 Stat. 661.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

2002—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 107–188 substituted “pertains to” for “exists by reason of”.

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “the Government” for “the government”.