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Balloons carrying a large quantity of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for several hours when multiple of them drifted across the country's airspace.

Aviation Problems

The temporary shutdown led to the cancellation of 30 flights affecting thousands of passengers, with authorities cautioning that additional delays could occur throughout Monday.

Border Security Response

Authorities reported that 25 meteorological balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up directly over the airport's airspace.

As many as 14 of the meteorological devices deployed throughout the weekend passed through the metropolitan zone, which is home to Lithuania's main urban center and close 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

Although causing problems, authorities noted that "Balloons with contraband - cigarettes from Belarus - are not unusual in neighboring countries."

Since January, 544 balloons have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while nearly a thousand were noted during the prior year.

Cross-Border Effects

At the same time, the border area of Poland, which also borders Belarus, has documented over numerous instances in which illegal goods were transported from its adjacent country employing the meteorological equipment.

Illegal Transport Methods

In response to questions about why criminal organizations employ a method that is particularly vulnerable to weather conditions rather than simpler to operate drones, officials clarified that "Meteorological balloons are basic instruments used by illegal traders - they are more economical than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."

Security Service Goals

Authorities continued that "The objective of our agencies is to seize the largest possible quantities of contraband and to arrest masterminds and participants so that these practices become unprofitable and present no risk to civil aviation."

European Tensions

Such border infiltrations occur during a time of increased concerns in Europe following various aerial device infiltrations that have caused air traffic disruption across the region.

Parallel situations in adjacent nations have prompted European leaders to accelerate discussions about improving airspace protection throughout the continent.