4-221. Registration of stills; forfeiture; sale; proceeds

A. Every person having in the person's possession or custody or under the person's control a still or distilling apparatus shall register it with the director under the rules the director may prescribe, and every still or distilling apparatus not so registered, together with all mash, wort or wash, for distillation or for the production of spirits or alcohol, and all finished products, together with all personal property in the possession or custody of, or under the control of any person, that may be used in the production or transportation of spirituous liquors, and that is found in the building or in any yard or enclosure connected with the building in which the unregistered still or distilling apparatus is located, shall be forfeited to this state.

B. The still, distilling apparatus, mash, wort, wash or finished products shall forthwith be destroyed by any peace officer, and all personal property forfeited to the state shall be sold at public auction to the highest bidder for cash on five days' notice.

C. The notice shall be posted at the courthouse in the county in which the personal property was seized or at the office of the director and shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation that is published in this state and that is nearest to the place where the personal property was seized. After paying the expenses of the publication and the expenses of sale from the proceeds of the sale, any balance shall be paid into the state general fund.