Section 1119. Service of Warrant of Seizure.— The District Collector shall cause the service of warrant of seizure to the owner or importer of the goods or the authorized representative thereof. The owner or importer shall be given, an opportunity to be heard during the forfeiture proceedings.

For the purpose of serving the warrant, the importer, consignee, or person holding the bill of lading or airway bill shall be deemed the “owner” of the goods. For the same purpose, “authorized representative” shall include any agent of the owner and if the owner or the agent is unknown, any person having possession of the goods at the time of the seizure.

Service of warrant to an unknown owner shall be effected by posting the warrant for fifteen (15) days in a public place at the concerned district, and by electronic or printed publication.