🔗 Share this article Balloons Used to Illegally Transport Cigarettes Closed Vilnius Airport A minimum of 11 of the meteorological balloons, transporting 18,000 packages of illegal cigarettes, have been collected so far Meteorological devices containing a large quantity of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for several hours when dozens of them drifted across the country's airspace. Flight Disruptions The operational halt led to the cancellation of 30 flights affecting six thousand travelers, with authorities cautioning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday. National Security Measures Authorities reported that twenty-five weather balloons were detected entering Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the main terminal. Approximately 14 of the meteorological devices sent during the weekend floated over the Vilnius area, which is the location of Lithuania's primary metropolis and near the border with Belarus. Illegal Goods Seizure A minimum of 11 balloons transporting eighteen thousand packages of black-market cigarettes have been collected so far, though more recoveries are anticipated, according to border security officials. Regional Smuggling Pattern While creating issues, representatives clarified that "Meteorological equipment transporting smuggled items - Belarusian smoking products - are nothing new in the Baltic region and Poland." To date in the current year, numerous meteorological balloons have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were documented the previous year. Neighboring Country Impact Meanwhile, the border area of Poland, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has registered in excess of one hundred incidents in which contraband was flown from its adjacent country employing the meteorological equipment. Smuggling Techniques When questioned about why smugglers utilize a technique that proves especially affected by weather elements rather than easier to manage drones, officials clarified that "Meteorological balloons are simple mechanisms used by smugglers - they are cheaper than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus." Law Enforcement Objectives Representatives further stated that "Our services' aim is to seize the largest possible amounts of illegal goods and to arrest masterminds and involved individuals so that this activity become unprofitable and present no risk to civil aviation." International Concerns The recent incidents occur during a time of increased concerns in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have caused air traffic disruption across the region. Similar occurrences in neighboring countries have led European authorities to fast-track conversations about strengthening air defences throughout European airspace.