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Weather balloons transporting numerous packages of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as Lithuania's primary air hub was required to halt operations for several hours when dozens of them entered the country's airspace.

Aviation Problems

The operational halt led to 30 flight cancellations disrupting 6,000 passengers, with authorities cautioning that delays might continue throughout Monday.

Border Security Response

Authorities reported that 25 meteorological balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with a pair of them ending up directly over the airport's airspace.

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

Contraband Recovery

At least 11 balloons carrying eighteen thousand packages of black-market cigarettes have since been recovered, though this number could rise, according to law enforcement authorities.

International Illegal Trade

Although causing problems, officials emphasized that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are nothing new in the Baltic region and Poland."

Since January, 544 balloons have been documented crossing into Lithuania from Belarus, while nearly a thousand were documented the previous year.

Neighboring Country Impact

Meanwhile, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has documented over 100 cases in which contraband was flown from its neighbor using the balloons.

Smuggling Techniques

When questioned about why criminals use a method that is particularly vulnerable to weather factors rather than easier to manage drones, officials clarified that "Atmospheric equipment are rudimentary tools used by contraband transporters - they are more economical than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."

Security Service Goals

Officials added that "Our services' aim is to seize the largest possible quantities of contraband and to arrest masterminds and involved individuals so that these practices become economically unsustainable and create minimal risk to civil aviation."

Regional Security Context

Such border infiltrations occur during an era marked by heightened tension in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have caused air traffic disruption across the region.

Recent incidents in nearby states have caused EU officials to fast-track conversations about improving airspace protection throughout the region.