Whenever any inhabitant of the said city shall make oath or affirmation, particularly describing as nearly as may be the place to be searched, and the things to be seized, before the mayor, or any alderman, of any fact or circumstance which, in the opinion of the said mayor or alderman, shall afford a probable cause of belief that any gunpowder or gun cotton has been brought into, or is kept within the said city, or in the harbor thereof, contrary to the provisions of this act, or any of the provisions of the acts now in force relative to the introduction of gunpowder or gun cotton into the city of Philadelphia, it shall be lawful for the said mayor or alderman to issue his warrant or warrants, under his hand and seal, to any sheriff, marshal, constable, or other fit person, commanding him or them to search for such gun powder or gun cotton, in the daytime, wheresoever the same may be in violation of said acts, and to seize and take possession of the same, if found, and to convey, or cause the same to be conveyed forthwith, to any magazine used for storing gunpowder.
53 P.S. § 16567