Balloons carrying thousands of packs of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as Lithuania's primary air hub was forced to close for several hours when dozens of them drifted across the country's airspace.
Aviation Problems
The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights impacting six thousand travelers, with airport representatives alerting that additional delays could occur throughout Monday.
Border Security Response
Authorities reported that twenty-five weather balloons were spotted infiltrating Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the main terminal.
As many as 14 of the weather balloons launched over the weekend floated over the Vilnius area, which is situated near Lithuania's primary metropolis and close to the frontier with Belarus.
Contraband Recovery
No fewer than 11 balloons containing 18,000 packs of illegal tobacco products have since been recovered, though additional discoveries are expected, according to customs agents.
International Illegal Trade
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."
To date in the current year, 544 balloons have been documented crossing into Lithuania from Belarus, while approximately 966 had been recorded last year.
Neighboring Country Impact
At the same time, the north-eastern Polish territory, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has registered in excess of numerous instances in which illegal goods were transported from its border nation utilizing the balloons.
Illegal Transport Methods
In response to questions about why criminal organizations employ a technique that proves especially affected by weather conditions rather than easier to manage drones, officials clarified that "Atmospheric equipment are rudimentary tools used by illegal traders - they are cheaper than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."
Border Protection Aims
Officials added that "Our services' aim is to seize the largest possible amounts of illegal goods and to detain organisers and perpetrators so that such operations become economically unsustainable and present no risk to passenger aircraft."
International Concerns
The recent incidents occur during a period of heightened tension in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have created aviation problems across the region.
Recent incidents in nearby states have caused EU officials to fast-track conversations about strengthening air defences throughout the region.
