Balloons carrying thousands of packs of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as Lithuania's primary air hub was forced to close for several hours when dozens of them entered the national airspace.
Flight Disruptions
The temporary shutdown led to thirty canceled flights disrupting thousands of passengers, with airport representatives alerting that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.
Border Security Response
Officials confirmed that twenty-five weather balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the adjacent country of Belarus, with two balloons ending up directly over the main terminal.
Approximately 14 of the atmospheric instruments sent during the weekend drifted across the Vilnius area, which is the location of Lithuania's main urban center and near the frontier with Belarus.
Contraband Recovery
A minimum of 11 balloons containing numerous containers of black-market cigarettes have since been recovered, though this number could rise, according to border security officials.
Regional Smuggling Pattern
Although causing problems, authorities noted that "Balloons with contraband - cigarettes from Belarus - are not unusual in neighboring countries."
To date in the current year, 544 balloons have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were recorded last year.
Cross-Border Effects
At the same time, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has documented over one hundred incidents in which illegal goods were transported from its neighbor using the balloons.
Illegal Transport Methods
In response to questions about why criminal organizations employ a method that is highly susceptible to weather elements rather than more controllable drones, representatives elaborated that "Weather devices are simple mechanisms used by illegal traders - they are cheaper than drones for transporting cigarettes from Belarus."
Security Service Goals
Officials added that "The goal of law enforcement is to seize the largest possible quantities of contraband and to arrest masterminds and involved individuals so that such operations become unprofitable and present no risk to civil aviation."
International Concerns
These airspace violations occur during a time of increased concerns in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have caused air traffic disruption across European nations.
Recent incidents in nearby states have caused EU officials to speed up talks about improving airspace protection throughout European airspace.
