Four men who were caught in possession of birds and bird skins on their return from Egypt were yesterday fined a total of Lm12,010.

Magistrate Michael Mallia heard how the four men were caught with the illegal material on their return from Cairo after customs officers intercepted them as they were passing through the Malta International Airport on 12 April 2001.

Mario Ellul, 58, from Kirkop, was found in possession of five long-eared owls, three of which died in transit, guilty of operating as a taxidermist for commercial reasons without having a licence, and relapsing. He was fined Lm3,387 and was disqualified from obtaining a licence to operate as a taxidermist for a period of three years.

Godwin Zahra, 35, from Zurrieq, was found in possession of 13 bird skins which have a total value of Lm650. He was fined Lm2,542.

Joseph Grech, 50, from Kirkop, was found in possession of 69 bird skins which have a total value of Lm3,180. He was fined Lm4,181.

George Galea, 47, from Zejtun, was found in possession of five bird skins with a value of Lm200. He was fined Lm1,900.

Police Inspector Alexander Miruzzi prosecuted.