🔗 Share this article Balloons Used to Smuggle Cigarettes Closed Airport in Lithuania No fewer than 11 of the meteorological balloons, transporting thousands of packs of illegal cigarettes, have since been recovered Meteorological devices containing a large quantity of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as Vilnius Airport was required to halt operations for hours when dozens of them drifted across the airspace of Lithuania. Flight Disruptions The airport closure led to thirty canceled flights disrupting six thousand travelers, with airport representatives alerting that additional delays could occur throughout Monday. National Security Measures Officials confirmed that multiple atmospheric balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with a pair of them ending up directly over the main terminal. As many as 14 of the weather balloons deployed throughout the weekend passed through the Vilnius area, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and adjacent to the frontier with Belarus. Smuggled Items Retrieved A minimum of 11 balloons containing eighteen thousand packages of illegal tobacco products have been collected so far, though more recoveries are anticipated, according to border security officials. International Illegal Trade Although causing problems, authorities noted that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are common occurrences in the Baltic region and Poland." To date in the current year, numerous meteorological balloons have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while nearly a thousand were documented the previous year. Neighboring Country Impact Meanwhile, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has registered in excess of one hundred incidents in which smuggled items were delivered from its adjacent country employing the balloons. Smuggling Techniques Regarding inquiries concerning why smugglers utilize a method that is highly susceptible to weather conditions rather than easier to manage drones, authorities explained that "Weather devices are simple mechanisms used by smugglers - they are cheaper than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus." Security Service Goals Officials added that "The objective of our agencies is to capture the greatest possible volumes of smuggled items and to detain organisers and perpetrators so that these practices become not financially viable and present no risk to civil aviation." Regional Security Context These airspace violations occur during a period of heightened tension in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have caused air traffic disruption across the region. Recent incidents in nearby states have caused EU officials to fast-track conversations about strengthening air defences throughout the continent.