Balloons carrying numerous packages of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for hours when numerous of them drifted across the country's airspace.
Aviation Problems
The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights affecting 6,000 passengers, with officials warning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.
Border Security Response
Border security stated that twenty-five weather balloons were detected entering Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the aviation facility.
As many as 14 of the weather balloons launched over the weekend floated over the Vilnius area, which is home to Lithuania's capital city and adjacent to the border with Belarus.
Smuggled Items Retrieved
No fewer than 11 balloons transporting 18,000 packs of illegal tobacco products have been collected so far, though additional discoveries are expected, according to law enforcement authorities.
International Illegal Trade
While creating issues, authorities noted that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - Belarusian smoking products - are not unusual in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland."
To date in the current year, 544 balloons have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were documented the previous year.
Neighboring Country Impact
At the same time, the border area of Poland, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has recorded more than numerous instances in which illegal goods were transported from its adjacent country employing the balloons.
Criminal Methodology
Regarding inquiries concerning why criminal organizations employ a method that is highly susceptible to weather elements rather than simpler to operate drones, representatives elaborated that "Weather devices are rudimentary tools used by contraband transporters - they are cheaper than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus."
Security Service Goals
Authorities continued that "Our services' aim is to confiscate the maximum possible quantities of contraband and to arrest masterminds and participants so that such operations become unprofitable and create minimal risk to passenger aircraft."
Regional Security Context
The recent incidents occur during a time of increased concerns in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have resulted in flight interruptions across the continent.
Recent incidents in adjacent nations have led European authorities to accelerate discussions about improving airspace protection throughout the region.