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Weather balloons transporting thousands of packs of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as Vilnius Airport was compelled to shut down for an extended period when multiple of them drifted across the country's airspace.

Flight Disruptions

The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights impacting 6,000 passengers, with authorities cautioning that delays might continue throughout Monday.

Border Security Response

Authorities reported that multiple atmospheric balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the aviation facility.

Approximately 14 of the atmospheric instruments launched over the weekend floated over the capital region, which is home to Lithuania's main urban center and near the frontier with Belarus.

Illegal Goods Seizure

A minimum of 11 balloons transporting 18,000 packs of contraband smoking materials have been collected so far, though this number could rise, according to border security officials.

Regional Smuggling Pattern

Despite the disruption, representatives clarified that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are not unusual in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland."

So far this year, over five hundred weather devices have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while approximately 966 had been noted during the prior year.

Cross-Border Effects

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 balloons.

Smuggling Techniques

When questioned about why criminals use a technique that proves highly susceptible to weather conditions rather than simpler to operate drones, representatives elaborated that "Atmospheric equipment are simple mechanisms used by illegal traders - they are more economical than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus."

Border Protection Aims

Authorities continued that "The goal of law enforcement is to confiscate the maximum possible amounts of illegal goods and to arrest masterminds and perpetrators so that such operations become economically unsustainable and do not pose risk to passenger aircraft."

International Concerns

Such border infiltrations occur during an era marked by heightened tension in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have created aviation problems across the continent.

Recent incidents in nearby states have caused EU officials to speed up talks about strengthening air defences throughout the region.