Whenever the existence of any false, forged, or counterfeit bank bills or notes, or any plates, dies, or other tools, instruments, or implements used by counterfeiters or designed for the forging or making of any false or counterfeit notes, coin, or bills, shall come to the knowledge of any deputy sheriff, town constable, or police officer in this state, the officers shall immediately seize and take possession of it and deliver it into the custody of the superior court for the county in which it shall be, and the court shall, as soon as the ends of justice will permit, cause it to be destroyed by an officer of the court, which officer shall make a return to the court of his or her doings in the premises.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-17-11