Three men were yesterday charged in connection with the discovery of fireworks in a container onboard a ship on Monday.

Magistrate Michael Mallia heard Mark Vella, 43, of Qormi and Carmel Spiteri, 63, and Carmel Ciappara, 39, both of Luqa, plead not guilty to the charges.

Mr Vella, a cargo handler, was accused of keeping fireworks at home without a licence, forging documents and making false declarations.

Mr Spiteri and Mr Ciappara were accused of illegally selling fireworks, carrying fireworks in a vehicle without a permit and illegally exporting or trying to export such items.

Defence lawyers told journalists that the accused planned to take part in a fireworks competition in Catania following an invitation sent to St Andrew's Fireworks Factory. The firework launchers were sent to Catania a week before and a number of Maltese enthusiasts had already bought tickets to attend the event.

The court granted Mr Vella bail against a personal guarantee of €2,000 and a deposit of €2,000.

Mr Spiteri and Mr Ciappara were granted bail against a personal guarantee of €2,000 and a deposit of €1,000 each.

Police Inspectors Edel Mary Camilleri and Spiridone Zammit prosecuted.

Lawyer Joseph Giglio appeared for Mr Vella while lawyers Arthur Azzopardi, Manuel Mallia, Chris Cardona and Shazoo Ghaznavi appeared for Mr Spiteri and Mr Ciappara.