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Weather balloons transporting thousands of packs of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as Lithuania's primary air hub was required to halt operations for several hours when multiple of them entered the airspace of Lithuania.

Flight Disruptions

The temporary shutdown led to 30 flight cancellations impacting thousands of passengers, with officials warning that additional delays could occur throughout Monday.

Border Security Response

Authorities reported that twenty-five weather balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the adjacent country of Belarus, with two balloons ending up right above the aviation facility.

Approximately 14 of the weather balloons deployed throughout the weekend floated over the Vilnius area, which is home to Lithuania's primary metropolis and close to the frontier with Belarus.

Illegal Goods Seizure

At least 11 balloons transporting eighteen thousand packages of black-market cigarettes have now been retrieved, though more recoveries are anticipated, according to border security officials.

International Illegal Trade

Despite the disruption, officials emphasized that "Balloons with contraband - cigarettes from Belarus - are nothing new in neighboring countries."

To date in the current year, numerous meteorological balloons have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while approximately 966 had been recorded last year.

Regional Consequences

Simultaneously, the north-eastern Polish territory, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has recorded more than 100 cases in which smuggled items were delivered from its neighbor using the meteorological equipment.

Smuggling Techniques

In response to questions about why criminals use a technique that proves especially affected by weather conditions rather than simpler to operate drones, authorities explained that "Meteorological balloons are rudimentary tools used by contraband transporters - they are more economical than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus."

Security Service Goals

Representatives further stated that "The objective of our agencies is to capture the greatest possible quantities of contraband and to apprehend coordinators and perpetrators so that such operations become not financially viable and present no risk to passenger aircraft."

International Concerns

Such border infiltrations occur during a time of increased concerns in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have created aviation problems across the continent.

Recent incidents in nearby states have caused EU officials to speed up talks about strengthening air defences throughout the region.