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Balloons carrying thousands of packs of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as Vilnius Airport was forced to close for several hours when numerous of them floated into the national airspace.

Aviation Problems

The temporary shutdown led to the cancellation of 30 flights disrupting thousands of passengers, with airport representatives alerting that delays might continue throughout Monday.

Law Enforcement Actions

Officials confirmed that multiple atmospheric balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two balloons ending up precisely above the aviation facility.

As many as 14 of the meteorological devices launched over the weekend floated over the capital region, which is home to Lithuania's main urban center and close to the border with Belarus.

Smuggled Items Retrieved

At least 11 balloons transporting numerous containers of contraband smoking materials have been collected so far, though this number could rise, according to customs agents.

International Illegal Trade

While creating issues, officials emphasized that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - cigarettes from Belarus - are not unusual in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland."

So far this year, numerous meteorological balloons have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were documented the previous year.

Neighboring Country Impact

At the same time, the north-eastern Polish territory, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has recorded more than one hundred incidents in which smuggled items were delivered from its adjacent country employing the balloons.

Smuggling Techniques

When questioned about why criminals use a method that is especially affected by weather conditions rather than simpler to operate drones, representatives elaborated that "Weather devices are simple mechanisms used by smugglers - they are cheaper than drones for transporting cigarettes from Belarus."

Law Enforcement Objectives

Authorities continued that "Our services' aim is to seize the largest possible volumes of smuggled items and to apprehend coordinators and participants so that this activity become not financially viable and present no risk to passenger aircraft."

International Concerns

The recent incidents occur during an era marked by increased concerns in Europe following various aerial device infiltrations that have resulted in flight interruptions across the region.

Similar occurrences in adjacent nations have prompted European leaders to accelerate discussions about enhancing aerial security throughout the region.