🔗 Share this article Meteorological Balloons Employed to Smuggle Cigarettes Shut Down Airport in Lithuania At least 11 of the weather balloons, carrying thousands of packs of illegal cigarettes, have been collected so far Weather balloons transporting thousands of packs of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was compelled to shut down for several hours when dozens of them entered the country's airspace. Flight Disruptions The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights impacting six thousand travelers, with airport representatives alerting that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday. Law Enforcement Actions Officials confirmed that multiple atmospheric balloons were spotted infiltrating Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with a pair of them ending up directly over the main terminal. As many as 14 of the meteorological devices deployed throughout the weekend floated over the metropolitan zone, which is the location of Lithuania's main urban center and near the border with Belarus. Contraband Recovery No fewer than 11 balloons carrying numerous containers of illegal tobacco products have been collected so far, though this number could rise, according to customs agents. Regional Smuggling Pattern While creating issues, representatives clarified that "Balloons with contraband - cigarettes from Belarus - are common occurrences in neighboring countries." Since January, numerous meteorological balloons have been documented crossing into Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were noted during the prior year. Regional Consequences Meanwhile, the north-eastern Polish territory, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has documented over 100 cases in which smuggled items were delivered from its adjacent country employing the weather devices. Smuggling Techniques In response to questions about why criminal organizations employ a method that is particularly vulnerable to weather factors rather than easier to manage drones, authorities explained that "Weather devices are simple mechanisms used by contraband transporters - they are less expensive than drones for transporting cigarettes from Belarus." Security Service Goals Authorities continued that "The objective of our agencies is to confiscate the maximum possible amounts of illegal goods and to detain organisers and perpetrators so that these practices become not financially viable and create minimal risk to passenger aircraft." Regional Security Context The recent incidents occur during a period of heightened tension in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have caused air traffic disruption across the region. Similar occurrences in neighboring countries have prompted European leaders to speed up talks about strengthening air defences throughout European airspace.