Weather balloons transporting numerous packages of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for hours when multiple of them drifted across the airspace of Lithuania.
Aviation Problems
The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights disrupting thousands of passengers, with airport representatives alerting that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.
Border Security Response
Authorities reported that multiple atmospheric balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the adjacent country of Belarus, with two of which ending up directly over the aviation facility.
Approximately 14 of the meteorological devices launched over the weekend passed through the metropolitan zone, which is situated near Lithuania's main urban center and near the frontier with Belarus.
Smuggled Items Retrieved
No fewer than 11 balloons carrying 18,000 packs of illegal tobacco products have since been recovered, though more recoveries are anticipated, according to border security officials.
Regional Smuggling Pattern
While creating issues, authorities noted that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - Belarusian smoking products - are not unusual in neighboring countries."
Since January, numerous meteorological balloons have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were recorded last year.
Regional Consequences
Meanwhile, the border area of Poland, which also borders Belarus, has registered in excess of 100 cases in which illegal goods were transported from its adjacent country employing the weather devices.
Illegal Transport Methods
When questioned about why criminal organizations employ a method that is highly susceptible to weather elements rather than more controllable drones, representatives elaborated that "Meteorological balloons are basic instruments used by illegal traders - they are less expensive than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus."
Border Protection Aims
Authorities continued that "Our services' aim is to seize the largest possible volumes of smuggled items and to detain organisers and involved individuals so that this activity become unprofitable and present no risk to passenger aircraft."
European Tensions
Such border infiltrations occur during a period of increased concerns in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have created aviation problems across the continent.
Parallel situations in adjacent nations have caused EU officials to speed up talks about improving airspace protection throughout European airspace.
