🔗 Share this article Weather Balloons Used to Smuggle Cigarettes Closed Lithuanian Airport A minimum of 11 of the weather balloons, transporting thousands of packs of contraband cigarettes, have been collected so far Meteorological devices containing numerous packages of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was compelled to shut down for hours when dozens of them floated into the national airspace. Air Travel Interruptions The temporary shutdown led to 30 flight cancellations disrupting six thousand travelers, with officials warning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday. Law Enforcement Actions Authorities reported that 25 meteorological balloons were observed crossing into Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, with a pair of them ending up precisely above the aviation facility. Up to 14 of the weather balloons launched over the weekend drifted across the metropolitan zone, which is home to Lithuania's capital city and near the frontier with Belarus. Contraband Recovery At least 11 balloons carrying 18,000 packs of contraband smoking materials have been collected so far, though this number could rise, according to law enforcement authorities. Cross-Border Contraband Trend Although causing problems, officials emphasized that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - cigarettes from Belarus - are common occurrences in neighboring countries." To date in the current 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 Polish territory, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has documented over one hundred incidents in which contraband was flown from its border nation utilizing the weather devices. Illegal Transport Methods When questioned about why criminal organizations employ a technique that proves highly susceptible to weather conditions rather than easier to manage drones, officials clarified that "Weather devices are rudimentary tools used by illegal traders - they are less expensive than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus." Security Service Goals Representatives further stated that "Our services' aim is to seize the largest possible volumes of smuggled items and to detain organisers and involved individuals so that this activity become unprofitable and do not pose risk to civil aviation." European Tensions These airspace violations occur during a period of increased concerns in Europe following various aerial device infiltrations that have caused air traffic disruption across European nations. Recent incidents in nearby states have prompted European leaders to fast-track conversations about improving airspace protection throughout the continent.