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Weather balloons transporting thousands of packs of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as Vilnius Airport was forced to close for an extended period when multiple of them entered the national airspace.

Flight Disruptions

The temporary shutdown led to the cancellation of 30 flights impacting thousands of passengers, with airport representatives alerting that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.

Border Security Response

Officials confirmed that multiple atmospheric balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the adjacent country of Belarus, with two of which ending up directly over the main terminal.

As many as 14 of the meteorological devices sent during the weekend passed through the capital region, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and adjacent to the frontier with Belarus.

Contraband Recovery

No fewer than 11 balloons carrying 18,000 packs of illegal tobacco products have now been retrieved, though additional discoveries are expected, according to border security officials.

Cross-Border Contraband Trend

Although causing problems, officials emphasized that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - cigarettes from Belarus - are nothing new in neighboring countries."

Since January, 544 balloons have been documented crossing into Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were noted during the prior year.

Neighboring Country Impact

Simultaneously, the border area of Poland, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has recorded more than 100 cases in which contraband was flown from its adjacent country employing the balloons.

Smuggling Techniques

In response to questions about why criminals use a technique that proves highly susceptible to weather factors rather than easier to manage drones, authorities explained that "Meteorological balloons are simple mechanisms used by smugglers - they are less expensive than drones for transporting cigarettes from Belarus."

Security Service Goals

Officials added that "The goal of law enforcement is to confiscate the maximum possible quantities of contraband and to arrest masterminds and involved individuals so that this activity become not financially viable and present no risk to commercial air travel."

Regional Security Context

The recent incidents occur during an era marked by heightened tension in Europe following various aerial device infiltrations that have created aviation problems across European nations.

Recent incidents in adjacent nations have led European authorities to accelerate discussions about strengthening air defences throughout the continent.