A young Libyan man trying to make a quick buck ended up making a substantial loss instead after he was fined €1,000 for trying to export 16 chickens, 17 canaries and two budgerigars in his hand luggage.

Motaz Abdurrahman Tumia, 24, from Sliema packed the birds into boxes that were then placed into three sports bags, the court heard.

Police Inspector Ramon Mercieca said Mr Tumia had tried to take the birds to Tripoli to sell them there but his attempts failed when Customs officers heard noises coming from his bags.

Although, the bags containing the fowls were put through an x-ray machine, exposing them to radiation, they seemed to be fine, the officer added.

He said that Mr Tumia, who is married to a Maltese woman, admitted to packing the birds but thought that, since it was only a short flight to Tripoli, nothing could happen to them.