Which statement properly describes contraband?

Which statement properly describes contraband?

• A. It can always be confiscated
• B. It is anything illegal to possess
• C. It is evidence in all cases
• D. It is never confiscated

Answer: (B)

Contraband means something is illegal to possess under law or base/ship regulations. In Navy environments, items that you’re prohibited from having—by statute or by orders—fall under this category, so possession itself is unlawful. Because possession is illegal, authorities may confiscate such items when discovered, but there can be legal nuances or exceptions that prevent confiscation in every case. It’s not accurate to say it’s evidence in all cases, since evidence depends on the specific circumstances of an investigation and a crime. And it’s not true that it is never confiscated; contraband is routinely removed when found.

Contraband means something is illegal to possess under law or base/ship regulations. In Navy environments, items that you’re prohibited from having—by statute or by orders—fall under this category, so possession itself is unlawful. Because possession is illegal, authorities may confiscate such items when discovered, but there can be legal nuances or exceptions that prevent confiscation in every case. It’s not accurate to say it’s evidence in all cases, since evidence depends on the specific circumstances of an investigation and a crime. And it’s not true that it is never confiscated; contraband is routinely removed when found.