Weather balloons transporting thousands of packs of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for several hours when numerous of them entered the airspace of Lithuania.
Aviation Problems
The operational halt led to thirty canceled flights affecting six thousand travelers, with airport representatives alerting that delays might continue throughout Monday.
National Security Measures
Border security stated that twenty-five weather balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up directly over the aviation facility.
Approximately 14 of the weather balloons deployed throughout the weekend floated over the metropolitan zone, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and adjacent to the border with Belarus.
Contraband Recovery
No fewer than 11 balloons containing numerous containers of black-market cigarettes have since been recovered, though additional discoveries are expected, according to customs agents.
Cross-Border Contraband Trend
Although causing problems, authorities noted that "Balloons with contraband - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are common occurrences in the Baltic region and Poland."
So far this year, over five hundred weather devices have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were recorded last year.
Neighboring Country Impact
Simultaneously, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which also borders Belarus, has recorded more than one hundred incidents in which contraband was flown from its neighbor using the balloons.
Illegal Transport Methods
When questioned about why smugglers utilize a method that is especially affected by weather elements rather than easier to manage drones, authorities explained that "Atmospheric equipment are rudimentary tools used by smugglers - they are less expensive than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."
Law Enforcement Objectives
Authorities continued that "The objective of our agencies is to confiscate the maximum possible quantities of contraband and to apprehend coordinators and involved individuals so that such operations become unprofitable and do not pose risk to passenger aircraft."
International Concerns
The recent incidents occur during a period of increased concerns in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have caused air traffic disruption across the continent.
Similar occurrences in nearby states have caused EU officials to fast-track conversations about enhancing aerial security throughout the continent.
