🔗 Share this article Balloons Used to Contraband Tobacco Products Shut Down Airport in Lithuania At least 11 of the weather balloons, transporting 18,000 packages of contraband cigarettes, have since been recovered Balloons carrying thousands of packs of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as Lithuania's primary air hub was compelled to shut down for hours when dozens of them floated into the country's airspace. Aviation Problems The airport closure led to 30 flight cancellations disrupting 6,000 passengers, with airport representatives alerting that additional delays could occur throughout Monday. National Security Measures Officials confirmed that multiple atmospheric balloons were spotted infiltrating Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the airport's airspace. As many as 14 of the atmospheric instruments sent during the weekend drifted across the metropolitan zone, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and close to the frontier with Belarus. Illegal Goods Seizure No fewer than 11 balloons carrying 18,000 packs of illegal tobacco products have since been recovered, though additional discoveries are expected, according to customs agents. International Illegal Trade While creating issues, officials emphasized that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - cigarettes from Belarus - are common occurrences in the Baltic region and Poland." To date in the current year, numerous meteorological balloons have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were noted during the prior year. Regional Consequences Meanwhile, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has documented over one hundred incidents in which contraband was flown from its adjacent country employing the balloons. Illegal Transport Methods When questioned about why smugglers utilize a method that is especially affected by weather factors rather than simpler to operate drones, officials clarified 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 Representatives further stated that "The objective of our agencies is to confiscate the maximum possible amounts of illegal goods and to apprehend coordinators and perpetrators so that this activity become economically unsustainable and create minimal risk to civil aviation." International Concerns The recent incidents occur during a time of heightened tension in Europe following various aerial device infiltrations that have resulted in flight interruptions across the continent. Similar occurrences in nearby states have prompted European leaders to speed up talks about improving airspace protection throughout the continent.