other weapons in a search of his Paget home.

It is understood that Police used a search warrant to enter Mr. Viera's home at daybreak on Thursday.

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

Mr. Viera, who represented Southampton West from 1968 until the October 5 general election, was released on bail.

No charges had been laid as of yesterday, but it was understood Police were preparing a file for the Attorney General's chambers.

A Police spokesman would neither confirm nor deny the newspaper's information and refused to comment.

Mr. Viera, 58, a maverick politician who split with the United Bermuda Party after the 1989 general election to sit as an Independent, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

But Mr. Alan Dunch, his lawyer, confirmed that Mr. Viera was "assisting Police with certain inquiries that they are pursuing in connection with possible offences under the Firearms Act 1973.

"Beyond that, it would be highly inappropriate for me or Mr. Viera to say anything further at this stage.'' 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 announced on September 20 that he would not stand for re-election in the October 5 general election this year, but he would not state his reasons.

He boycotted most of the last session of the House to support his call for a wheelchair lift to assist the Hon. John Stubbs MP after an operation.

Among many memorable antics, Mr. Viera shut off the lights in the House of Assembly during a marathon education debate in 1990.

He has not ruled out a return to politics.

ARRESTED -- Former MP Harry Viera.