🔗 Share this article Balloons Used to Smuggle Cigarettes Shut Down Vilnius Airport A minimum of 11 of the meteorological balloons, containing 18,000 packs of contraband cigarettes, have been collected so far Weather balloons transporting numerous packages of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as Vilnius Airport was forced to close for several hours when numerous of them entered the country's airspace. Flight Disruptions The airport closure led to 30 flight cancellations disrupting six thousand travelers, with authorities cautioning that additional delays could occur throughout Monday. Border Security Response Authorities reported that 25 meteorological balloons were observed crossing into Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the airport's airspace. As many as 14 of the meteorological devices deployed throughout the weekend drifted across the metropolitan zone, which is home to Lithuania's main urban center and close to the frontier with Belarus. Smuggled Items Retrieved No fewer than 11 balloons containing 18,000 packs of illegal tobacco products have now been retrieved, though additional discoveries are expected, according to law enforcement authorities. International Illegal Trade Although causing problems, authorities noted that "Meteorological equipment transporting smuggled items - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are common occurrences in the Baltic region and Poland." So far this year, numerous meteorological balloons have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while approximately 966 had been noted during the prior year. Regional Consequences Meanwhile, the border area of Poland, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has documented over one hundred incidents in which smuggled items were delivered from its adjacent country employing the meteorological equipment. Illegal Transport Methods When questioned about why criminal organizations employ a approach that remains particularly vulnerable to weather elements rather than more controllable drones, representatives elaborated that "Atmospheric equipment are simple mechanisms used by illegal traders - they are more economical than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus." Law Enforcement Objectives Representatives further stated that "Our services' aim is to seize the largest possible volumes of smuggled items and to arrest masterminds and participants so that this activity become not financially viable and do not pose 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 caused air traffic disruption across the region. Recent incidents in neighboring countries have prompted European leaders to speed up talks about strengthening air defences throughout the continent.