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Balloons carrying numerous packages of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for several hours when dozens of them drifted across the airspace of Lithuania.

Aviation Problems

The temporary shutdown led to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, with authorities cautioning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.

Border Security Response

Authorities reported that 25 meteorological balloons were detected entering Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, with two balloons ending up precisely above the airport's airspace.

Up to 14 of the weather balloons launched over the weekend drifted across the metropolitan zone, which is home to Lithuania's main urban center and close to the Belarusian boundary.

Contraband Recovery

A minimum of 11 balloons carrying eighteen thousand packages of illegal tobacco products have since been recovered, though this number could rise, according to law enforcement authorities.

International Illegal Trade

Despite the disruption, authorities noted that "Meteorological equipment transporting smuggled items - cigarettes from Belarus - are common occurrences in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland."

To date in the current year, 544 balloons have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while approximately 966 had been documented the previous year.

Cross-Border Effects

Meanwhile, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has recorded more than 100 cases in which contraband was flown from its adjacent country employing the weather devices.

Criminal Methodology

When questioned about why criminal organizations employ a approach that remains highly susceptible to weather elements rather than simpler to operate drones, authorities explained that "Weather devices are simple mechanisms used by smugglers - they are cheaper than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."

Border Protection Aims

Officials added that "The objective of our agencies is to capture the greatest possible amounts of illegal goods and to arrest masterminds and perpetrators so that these practices become not financially viable and present no risk to civil aviation."

International Concerns

These airspace violations occur during a period of growing anxiety in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have created aviation problems across the continent.

Similar occurrences in nearby states have prompted European leaders to speed up talks about strengthening air defences throughout the region.