What is necessary for the seizure of a vessel built for smuggling according to 19 USC 1703?

For the seizure of a vessel built for smuggling, the statute 19 USC 1703 emphasizes the proof that the vessel was constructed or equipped for such illicit activities. This aspect is crucial because the law specifically targets vessels that are not merely involved in smuggling but were intentionally designed or modified for that purpose. Thus, establishing that a vessel was built for smuggling directly corresponds to the legal grounds necessary for seizure.

While the presence of contraband cargo can imply illicit activity, it is not a requirement for vessels specifically constructed for smuggling. Ownership evidence is also relevant to ownership disputes but doesn't fulfill the necessary legal criteria for seizure based on the vessel's inherent design and purpose. Similarly, a search warrant is not mandated for seizing a vessel that meets the criteria established by the statute; the focus here is centered purely on the vessel's design for smuggling activities. This understanding of the legal framework underlines why proof of construction for smuggling is the critical element for seizure under this statute.