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Balloons carrying numerous packages of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for several hours when dozens of them floated into the airspace of Lithuania.

Aviation Problems

The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights impacting six thousand travelers, with authorities cautioning 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 of which ending up precisely above the airport's airspace.

Up to 14 of the meteorological devices deployed throughout the weekend passed through the metropolitan zone, which is home to Lithuania's capital city and adjacent to the Belarusian boundary.

Illegal Goods Seizure

A minimum of 11 balloons carrying 18,000 packs of black-market cigarettes have since been recovered, though additional discoveries are expected, according to border security officials.

Regional Smuggling Pattern

While creating issues, representatives clarified that "Balloons with contraband - Belarusian smoking products - are nothing new in the Baltic region and Poland."

To date in the current year, over five hundred weather devices have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while nearly a thousand were recorded last year.

Neighboring Country Impact

Meanwhile, the border area of Poland, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has documented over numerous instances in which contraband was flown from its adjacent country employing the meteorological equipment.

Criminal Methodology

Regarding inquiries concerning why criminal organizations employ a approach that remains highly susceptible to weather elements rather than simpler to operate drones, authorities explained that "Meteorological balloons are rudimentary tools used by illegal traders - they are cheaper than drones for transporting cigarettes from Belarus."

Security Service Goals

Representatives further stated that "The goal of law enforcement is to seize the largest possible volumes of smuggled items and to apprehend coordinators and participants so that these practices become not financially viable and do not pose risk to commercial air travel."

Regional Security Context

The recent incidents occur during an era marked by heightened tension in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have created aviation problems across the region.

Recent incidents in adjacent nations have prompted European leaders to speed up talks about enhancing aerial security throughout European airspace.