The Wild Birds Regulation Unit said today that the discovery of 575 stuffed protected birds in an Mgarr residence, reported yesterday, was the biggest ever.

The house was raided by officers from the Wild Birds Regulation Unit and from the Police Administrative Law Enforcement Unit after the tenant was arrested at the airport while trying to smuggle 411 dead birds originating from Argentina on July 23.

The 575 birds found yesterday came from various countries. 236 were seized as they were species whose possession is illegal and whose importation is restricted.

In another raid on the same house in 2004 the authorities had found 300 birds including eight which were protected. The courts had ordered the confiscation of the birds and fined the accused €230.

Legal action regarding the attempted smuggling of dead protected birds at MIA and the possession of stuffed protected birds will be instituted as soon as investigations are completed. If found guilty, the suspect may face increased penalties under recently revised legislation. The penalties may include a fine of up to €10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, permanent revocation of licenses issued under the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations, and confiscation of the birds