weapons charges.

On November 18, Police used a warrant to search the Paget home of Mr.

Harry Viera. Among the items seized was a .38-calibre handgun, a stun gun, and a can of mace, sources told The Royal Gazette .

It is understood a Police report regarding the seizures has been sent to the Attorney General's chambers.

But it could still be some days before a decision on any charges is made.

Officials must decide not only whether to lay charges, but whether to proceed summarily or by way of indictment.

On indictment, a conviction for possession of a prohibited weapon carries a prison term of five to 15 years. A summary conviction provides for a fine not exceeding $5,000 or a prison term not exceeding two years, or both.

Mr. Viera, 58, represented Southampton West in the House of Assembly from 1968 until this year, when he did not seek re-election. He split with the United Bermuda Party to sit as an Independent after the 1989 vote.