Lm11,000 fine for importing protected species' skins

Three Gozitans were fined Lm11,000 after being found guilty of importing three suitcases containing 155 bird skins of protected species following a hunting trip in Egypt on December 27, 2001.

Francis Camilleri, Anthony Zammit and Mario Farrugia were found guilty by the Magistrates' Court of having imported several species that were protected in the country of origin and which are listed in the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species. They were also found guilty of evading duty on the skins. Among the skins imported were those of four ospreys, 10 spoonbills, 20 flamingos, seven Egyptian vultures, steppe buzzards, black kites, eagle owls, long legged buzzards, Barbary falcon, lanner falcons, white storks, great white egrets, kingfishers and white pelicans.

Police Inspector Alexander Miruzzi, prosecuting, told the court Customs officers found three suitcases that had been abandoned at the arrivals lounge and police investigations led to the three men.