Meteorological devices containing a large quantity of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for an extended period when numerous of them floated into the country's airspace.
Air Travel Interruptions
The temporary shutdown led to the cancellation of 30 flights affecting 6,000 passengers, with airport representatives alerting that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.
National Security Measures
Officials confirmed that 25 meteorological balloons were observed crossing into Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the airport's airspace.
Up to 14 of the meteorological devices launched over the weekend floated over the capital region, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and near the frontier with Belarus.
Smuggled Items Retrieved
At least 11 balloons carrying 18,000 packs of contraband smoking materials have since been recovered, though this number could rise, according to customs agents.
Cross-Border Contraband Trend
Despite the disruption, representatives clarified that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are not unusual in the Baltic region and Poland."
So far this year, over five hundred weather devices have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while approximately 966 had been recorded last year.
Neighboring Country Impact
At the same time, the north-eastern Polish territory, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has documented over 100 cases in which smuggled items were delivered from its neighbor using the weather devices.
Criminal Methodology
In response to questions about why smugglers utilize a method that is especially affected by weather elements rather than easier to manage drones, officials clarified that "Weather devices are rudimentary tools used by illegal traders - they are more economical than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus."
Security Service Goals
Officials added that "The goal of law enforcement is to seize the largest possible quantities of contraband and to detain organisers and participants so that these practices become not financially viable and do not pose risk to commercial air travel."
International Concerns
Such border infiltrations occur during a period of increased concerns in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have resulted in flight interruptions across European nations.
Parallel situations in neighboring countries have caused EU officials to speed up talks about improving airspace protection throughout European airspace.
