🔗 Share this article Weather Balloons Used to Contraband Cigarettes Forced Closure of Lithuanian Airport A minimum of 11 of the meteorological balloons, transporting 18,000 packs of black-market cigarettes, have been collected so far Balloons carrying a large quantity of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was required to halt operations for several hours when multiple of them entered the country's airspace. Aviation Problems The operational halt led to 30 flight cancellations impacting six thousand travelers, with authorities cautioning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday. Border Security Response Border security stated that 25 meteorological balloons were spotted infiltrating Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the main terminal. As many as 14 of the atmospheric instruments launched over the weekend floated over the metropolitan zone, which is situated near Lithuania's primary metropolis and close to the Belarusian boundary. Contraband Recovery No fewer than 11 balloons carrying numerous containers of contraband smoking materials have now been retrieved, though this number could rise, according to law enforcement authorities. International Illegal Trade While creating issues, representatives clarified that "Meteorological equipment transporting smuggled items - Belarusian smoking products - are nothing new in neighboring countries." To date in the current year, over five hundred weather devices have been documented crossing into Lithuania from Belarus, while approximately 966 had been noted during the prior year. Neighboring Country Impact Meanwhile, the north-eastern Polish territory, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has registered in excess of one hundred incidents in which contraband was flown from its neighbor using the meteorological equipment. Smuggling Techniques When questioned about why criminals use a approach that remains particularly vulnerable to weather elements rather than simpler to operate drones, officials clarified that "Meteorological balloons are simple mechanisms used by contraband transporters - they are cheaper than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus." Border Protection Aims Authorities continued that "The goal of law enforcement is to capture the greatest possible quantities of contraband and to detain organisers and involved individuals so that such operations become unprofitable and present no risk to commercial air travel." Regional Security Context These airspace violations occur during a time of increased concerns in Europe following various aerial device infiltrations that have created aviation problems across the region. Similar occurrences in adjacent nations have prompted European leaders to fast-track conversations about enhancing aerial security throughout the continent.