Meteorological devices containing numerous packages of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as Lithuania's primary air hub was compelled to shut down for several hours when multiple of them drifted across the country's airspace.
Flight Disruptions
The airport closure led to thirty canceled flights disrupting thousands of passengers, with airport representatives alerting that delays might continue throughout Monday.
National Security Measures
Authorities reported 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.
As many as 14 of the weather balloons sent during the weekend passed through the capital region, which is the location of Lithuania's capital city and close to the frontier with Belarus.
Contraband Recovery
At least 11 balloons containing eighteen thousand packages of contraband smoking materials have now been retrieved, though this number could rise, according to law enforcement authorities.
Cross-Border Contraband Trend
Despite the disruption, officials emphasized that "Balloons with contraband - Belarusian smoking products - are common occurrences in the Baltic region and Poland."
To date in the current year, over five hundred weather devices have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were recorded last year.
Cross-Border Effects
Meanwhile, the border area of Poland, which also borders Belarus, has registered in excess of one hundred incidents in which illegal goods were transported from its adjacent country employing the balloons.
Illegal Transport Methods
In response to questions about why criminals use a method that is highly susceptible to weather conditions rather than simpler to operate drones, authorities explained that "Weather devices are simple mechanisms used by contraband transporters - they are less expensive than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."
Security Service Goals
Representatives further stated that "The objective of our agencies is to confiscate the maximum possible quantities of contraband and to arrest masterminds and involved individuals so that such operations become unprofitable and do not pose risk to commercial air travel."
European Tensions
The recent incidents occur during a time of growing anxiety in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have resulted in flight interruptions across the continent.
Similar occurrences in nearby states have caused EU officials to speed up talks about strengthening air defences throughout the continent.
