A Libyan man was taken to court today after having been stopped at the airport as he was about to board a plane, carrying 16 chickens, two budgies and 17 canaries hidden in three bags.

Motaz Abdurrahman Tumia, 24, ordinarily resident in Sliema, had been planning to sell them in Tripoli.

Police Inspector Ramon Mercieca said airport officials heard noises in the bags and put them through an X-Ray machine.

The birds were fine, despite being exposed to radiation, he said. 

Sentencing is expected later today.

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