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Weather balloons transporting numerous packages of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for hours when dozens of them entered the national airspace.

Aviation Problems

The temporary shutdown led to the cancellation of 30 flights impacting thousands of passengers, with officials warning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.

Border Security Response

Authorities reported that twenty-five weather balloons were observed crossing into Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two balloons ending up right above the airport's airspace.

Up to 14 of the weather balloons launched over the weekend passed through the capital region, which is home to Lithuania's primary metropolis and close to the Belarusian boundary.

Smuggled Items Retrieved

No fewer than 11 balloons carrying numerous containers of black-market cigarettes have since been recovered, though more recoveries are anticipated, according to border security officials.

International Illegal Trade

While creating issues, representatives clarified that "Meteorological equipment transporting smuggled items - Belarusian smoking products - are nothing new in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland."

So far this year, 544 balloons have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while nearly a thousand were documented the previous year.

Neighboring Country Impact

Meanwhile, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which also borders Belarus, has documented over one hundred incidents in which illegal goods were transported from its adjacent country employing the meteorological equipment.

Smuggling Techniques

Regarding inquiries concerning why criminal organizations employ a method that is highly susceptible to weather factors rather than easier to manage drones, representatives elaborated that "Atmospheric equipment are simple mechanisms used by illegal traders - they are less expensive than drones for transporting cigarettes from Belarus."

Law Enforcement Objectives

Officials added that "The objective of our agencies is to capture the greatest possible quantities of contraband and to apprehend coordinators and perpetrators so that this activity become economically unsustainable and create minimal risk to passenger aircraft."

International Concerns

Such border infiltrations occur during a time of heightened tension in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have resulted in flight interruptions across the region.

Recent incidents in nearby states have led European authorities to speed up talks about strengthening air defences throughout the continent.