face prohibited weapons charges.

Police have finished their inquiries and their file has now been sent to the Crown prosecution office.

Police spokesman P.c. Gary Venning said the file was completed yesterday morning and was now with the Attorney General.

"It's in his hands as to what course of action is taken.'' On November 18 Police used a warrant to search Mr. Viera's Paget home.

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

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 five to 15 years of prison. A summary conviction means a fine of up to $5,000 or prison of up to 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.