Maltese customs confiscated five protected birds from three Maltese individuals arriving on a flight from Scotland.  The protected birds were two Common Buzzards, two Oystercatchers and a Shelduck.

They were found hidden inside the carcasses of legal game species. All three species are protected under UK, Maltese and EU law. The three men will appear in court in early 2012. It is hoped that the courts will apply hefty fines.