Maltese Man Faces Smuggling Charges After 377 Animals Found in Car

Italian authorities have detained a Maltese citizen at the port of Pozzallo in Sicily on suspicion of animal smuggling. The man was attempting to board a catamaran bound for Malta when police discovered a large number of exotic animals packed inside his vehicle.

During a routine inspection, officers found 300 tortoises and 77 parrots crammed into the car. The animals were reportedly in poor condition due to the cramped and likely inhumane transport conditions. The man is now under investigation for animal cruelty and smuggling offenses.