Seizure of conveyances

Whenever— No conveyance used by any person as a common carrier in the transaction of business as a common carrier is subject to seizure and forfeiture under the customs laws for violations relating to merchandise contained— If any merchandise the importation of which is prohibited is found to be, or to have been— on board a conveyance used as a common carrier in the transaction of business as a common carrier in one or more packages or containers— For purposes of this section— The term “owner or operator” includes— When a common carrier has been seized in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) and it is subsequently determined that a violation of such subsection occurred but that the vessel will be released, the conveyance is liable for the costs and expenses of the seizure and detention.