Meteorological devices containing thousands of packs of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for hours when numerous of them floated into the airspace of Lithuania.
Flight Disruptions
The airport closure led to 30 flight cancellations affecting six thousand travelers, with officials warning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.
National Security Measures
Border security stated that 25 meteorological balloons were observed crossing into Lithuania from the adjacent country of Belarus, with two balloons ending up directly over the aviation facility.
As many as 14 of the weather balloons launched over the weekend floated over the Vilnius area, which is situated near Lithuania's main urban center and close to the border with Belarus.
Illegal Goods Seizure
A minimum of 11 balloons carrying 18,000 packs of contraband smoking materials have been collected so far, though this number could rise, 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 nothing new in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland."
To date in the current year, numerous meteorological balloons have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while approximately 966 had been documented the previous year.
Neighboring Country Impact
Simultaneously, the border area of Poland, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has documented over numerous instances in which smuggled items were delivered from its neighbor using the balloons.
Illegal Transport Methods
When questioned about why criminals use a method that is highly susceptible to weather elements rather than simpler to operate drones, representatives elaborated that "Meteorological balloons are basic instruments used by smugglers - they are more economical than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus."
Security Service Goals
Authorities continued that "The goal of law enforcement is to capture the greatest possible quantities of contraband and to detain organisers and perpetrators so that such operations become unprofitable and do not pose risk to commercial air travel."
European Tensions
These airspace violations occur during a period of increased concerns in Europe following various aerial device infiltrations that have created aviation problems across the region.
Parallel situations in adjacent nations have caused EU officials to accelerate discussions about enhancing aerial security throughout the region.
