An Israeli man’s claim that a weapon and ammunition were planted in his luggage was believed by the police be-cause they had no evidence to the contrary.

The man, a police officer, was stopped by airport security before boarding a flight to Tel Aviv on Thursday night after a tear gas pistol and an ammunition magazine with 11 rounds were found in his luggage.

After being questioned by the police the Israeli was allowed to board the flight back home, which was delayed for several hours until further security checks were performed on passenger luggage.

The incident raised eyebrows because of what appeared to be a speedy police decision to allow the Israeli officer to leave the country so soon after questioning.

Replying to questions by this newspaper, a police spokeswoman said the decision to release the Israeli and allow him to travel back home a couple of hours later was taken by the force.

She said the Israeli’s theory that the pistol and ammunition were planted in his luggage while it was in store at a St Julian’s hotel was accepted.

They found no further evidence proving contrary to his claim

“The police found no further evidence proving the contrary.”

She confirmed the hotel was also being investigated but would not give its name.

In the statement announcing the weapon and ammunition find on Friday, the police had said the man was “a trustworthy police officer”.

Asked how the police went about ascertaining the man’s trustworthiness, the spokeswoman reiterated this was done through “liaison with Israeli authorities”. No further explanation was given.

The spokeswoman said the police had ascertained the Israeli’s whereabouts and itinerary while in Malta and confirmed that forensic tests will be carried out on the weapon and ammunition.

The police confirmed there had not been a security breach at the airport since the weapon and ammunition were spotted during a routine electronic screening of the baggage.

The pistol and ammunition were in an outside pocket that was not locked while a steak knife was found inside the luggage. The Israeli said the knife belonged to his sister, who was also a passenger on the flight.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com