A Gozitan man yesterday pleaded not guilty to hiding 10 illegal shotguns and 100,000 smuggled cigarettes in his pet shop.

Johnny Sultana, 47, of Victoria, was charged with being in possession of the illegal firearms on August 11 and the years before in Id-Dura Pet Shop, in Viani Street.

He was also charged with being in possession of 100,000 contraband cigarettes on which excise duty had not been paid.

Mr Sultana also pleaded not guilty to failing to account for three registered shotguns, being in possession of weapons without a police licence and having shotgun cartridges that were larger than permitted by law.

Magistrate Paul Coppini granted him bail against a personal guarantee of €5,500.

Mr Sultana was arrested last week after Gozitan criminal investigation department officers swooped down on his shop and allegedly found shotguns, ammunition and cigarettes.

His arraignment had to be postponed after he complained of stomach pains and went to hospital.

Police Inspector Frank Tabone prosecuted.