Two poachers were arrested on Saturday after they were filmed shooting at birds during the closed season. 

The illegality was flagged by monitoring teams from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter close to the airport in the area known at Misraħ Ħlantun around 7am. 

Both men used illegal silencers to suppress the noise of their shotguns, CABS said.

The birdwatchers alerted the police's administrative law enforcement unit who responded at once and caught both men in the act.

After being confronted with the fact that their illegal activity was recorded on camera both men admitted to the charges and criminal proceedings have been instituted against them, CABS said in a statement.

The two shotguns and an illegal bird caller were seized.

Despite repeated EU warnings, Malta's controversial spring hunting season will reopen again this year between April 10 and 30. 

Read: BirdLife objects to any changes to spring hunting season

Police reacted swiftly to the infringement. Photo: CABSPolice reacted swiftly to the infringement. Photo: CABS

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