Three Maltese hunters were arrested in Argentina and are facing criminal procedures in court over several illegal hunting activities, the Times of Malta has learnt.

The hunters were arrested at an airport in Argentina after the discovery of a number of protected birds stuffed in their suitcases, sources told this newspaper. The three were part of a larger group.

The men were barred from leaving the country and their passports have been confiscated, sources told this newspaper, though information is still sparse.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office confirmed the hunters’ detention: “The three Maltese nationals are undergoing judicial procedures in Argentina in connection with illegal hunting. The ministry is closely following these procedures and assisting the Maltese nationals,” he added.

The Times of Malta is informed they were travelling with a fellow hunter from Kirkop, who has now returned to Malta.

All we know is they went for hunting in Argentina a month ago and they haven’t yet returned

Contacted by this newspaper, a relative of one of the Maltese men being held in Argentina did not want to provide any information.

“All we know is they went for hunting in Argentina a month ago and they haven’t returned yet. They were held by the authorities but we don’t have any other information,” the relative said.

It is not yet known when the three Maltese hunters will be released. However, sources said that if found guilty, harsh fines may be imposed.

A seasoned hunter said that around 50 Maltese travel to Argentina in small groups every year. Similar ‘hunting tours’ are also organised by individuals to other countries, particularly Egypt and Serbia.

“Although it’s very expensive to go to Argentina, hunters are lured to this place as the authorities turn a blind eye to illegalities,” a hunter who has been on such a tour told this newspaper.

His comment is reflected in some online messages posted by Maltese hunters.

In a thank-you note to one of the Argentinean agencies taking care of Maltese hunters, based in Cordoba, a central region of Argentina, three Maltese hunters recounted their “unforgettable experience”.

“Just to round it up, from 10am till noon, Peter managed to shoot 1,005 doves,” one of the Maltese hunters wrote.

Another hunter described his experience in Argentina as “unbelievable”.