Italian media have reported that, last week, two Maltese nationals were stopped by security personnel at Cairo airport after it was discovered that they had brought with them, locked in the luggage hold of the Alitalia plane they boarded at Fiumicino airport, 299 boxes of gunshot pellets contained in three pieces of luggage.

The Maltese had transited at Fiumicino after arriving from Malta. Alitalia security officers told the Italian media that the luggage, and its contents, should have been reported to airport security in Malta for x-ray, as is the rule for the transport of arms or ammunition.

Such objects can be carried in the plane’s hold but only with the necessary procedures and authorisation.

Interrogated by the Egyptian police, the two Maltese said they had brought the pellets with them to give as a gift to friends.