Four men were fined Lm2,500 collectively after being convicted of being in possession of skins of protected bird species.

Henry Borda, of Zabbar and Kenneth Ellul of Kirkop, were both fined Lm1,000 for importing a number of bird skins from Egypt. The two were intercepted by Customs officials on their return on August 22, 2002.

The four suitcases they were carrying were full of bird skins of species such as storks, flamingos and birds of prey such as eagles, falcons and ospreys.

Paul Vassallo of Mgarr was fined Lm250 after being found guilty of being in possession of two live eagle owls, which he imported in plastic tubes from Libya on April 19, 2002.

Joseph Grech of San Gwann was fined Lm300, having been found guilty of possessing four skins of protected species on February 21 2005. Mr Grech was found in possession of a spoonbill, a Senegal thick knee and two black terns by Customs officers as he was returning from a hunting trip in Egypt.

An inspection at his home revealed he also had a number of unregistered protected birds and these were confiscated.

Environment Inspector Stanley Gatt was appointed to identify the birds.

Police Inspector Alexander Miruzzi prosecuted.