When is an anticipatory warrant executed?

• A. Upon discovery of contraband at any time.
• B. Before any search is completed.
• C. On occurrence of the specified event.
• D. After a grand jury indictment.

Answer: (C)

Anticipatory warrants are issued to authorize a search based on a future event. The warrant is executed exactly when that event occurs, not before or after for any other reason. So, the search and seizure take place at the moment the specified event happens, such as the delivery or arrival of contraband at the location described in the warrant.

This differs from simply discovering contraband, which would be the result of a search rather than the trigger for the warrant, and it isn’t tied to initiating a search before the event or to an unrelated step like a grand jury indictment.