34 birds have been confiscated by police after they were illegally put up for sale by sellers in Floriana, police said on Sunday.

In a statement, the police said that its Environmental Protection Unit together with the Wild Bird Regulation Unit had discovered the illegalities during inspections at bird sellers at the open market in Floriana on Sunday.

Police said that they had caught some sellers selling birds illegally – on the basis that the bird species in question could not be sold.

A total of 34 birds of different species were confiscated as a result and were turned over to a government-appointed vet.

Two sellers were also operating without a license, and they are expected to be charged by police.

Investigations are ongoing.