The Administrative Law enforcement (ALE) unit conducted inspections in a number of localities after receiving information that some person were illegally importing birds from Sicily. The birds were being sold on the local market.

Search warrants were issued for a pet shop in Zejtun and in three residences in Luqa, Sta Venera and Tarxien. Around 200 unregistered birds were found.

Two men, a 49-year-old from Sta Venera and a 46-year-old from Fgura were arrested.

The birds which were found were certified by the Wild birds regulations Unit and were released in a number of localities around Malta.