The Attorney General's Office was attacked in the Senate chambers yesterday for being "the weak link'' in the Bermudian judicial system.

Progressive Labour Party Senator Milton Scott said the crown counsel's department needed to improve if the new Proceeds of Crime Act was to work.

The proposed laws would allow Police to seize assets from major criminals, including international drug dealers.

Sen. Scott supported the Bill but described the Attorney General's chambers as "the weak link'', adding: "The way things are going, we won't be recovering many assets.

"In recent years, how many drug cases have been won in this Country? Not many.

"We can bring the finest legislation to the Senate but if we can't prove a case in the Supreme Court, the legislation will not apply.

"It's important that we get the strongest Attorney General's chambers that we can get in this Country.

"That doesn't mean bringing in people from abroad but making the terms and conditions as attractive as possible to the private sector.'' Sen. Larry Scott , of the United Bermuda Party, defended the Attorney General's office and described it as "very competent''.

He pointed to the recent conviction of William and Barbara Roberts, who had stashed $1.5 million worth of cocaine in their Somerset house and were each sentenced to 12 years in jail.

And Government Senate leader Sen. ET (Bob) Richards defended the Attorney General and said he was often "bewildered'' by juries' decisions.

He added: "It would be unfair to label the Attorney General's chambers as being one of the causes of the problem.

"I do know that I have seen many cases that have come before our courts where it is pretty clear that the person is guilty but the jury say no. It's bewildering to me.'' The Attorney General's department announced last week that Canadian lawyer William Pearce QC would take over as the new Solicitor General on January 19.

The posting is the second highest legal position in Bermuda.

ATTORNEY GENERAL AG