Weather balloons transporting numerous packages of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was compelled to shut down for several hours when dozens of them entered the country's airspace.
Aviation Problems
The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights affecting six thousand travelers, with airport representatives alerting that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.
Law Enforcement Actions
Officials confirmed that twenty-five weather balloons were spotted infiltrating Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up directly over the airport's airspace.
Up to 14 of the meteorological devices deployed throughout the weekend passed through the metropolitan zone, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and near the border with Belarus.
Illegal Goods Seizure
No fewer than 11 balloons containing numerous containers of black-market cigarettes have been collected so far, though more recoveries are anticipated, according to customs agents.
Regional Smuggling Pattern
Although causing problems, authorities noted that "Balloons with contraband - Belarusian smoking products - are nothing new in the Baltic region and Poland."
To date in the current year, over five hundred weather devices have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while approximately 966 had been recorded last year.
Regional Consequences
Meanwhile, the north-eastern Polish territory, which also borders Belarus, has recorded more than numerous instances in which illegal goods were transported from its neighbor using the meteorological equipment.
Criminal Methodology
When questioned about why criminals use a method that is highly susceptible to weather factors rather than more controllable drones, representatives elaborated that "Weather devices are simple mechanisms used by contraband transporters - they are cheaper than drones for transporting cigarettes from Belarus."
Security Service Goals
Officials added that "The goal of law enforcement is to confiscate the maximum possible quantities of contraband and to arrest masterminds and perpetrators so that such operations become not financially viable and do not pose risk to passenger aircraft."
European Tensions
These airspace violations occur during a period of increased concerns in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have created aviation problems across European nations.
Recent incidents in neighboring countries have led European authorities to speed up talks about improving airspace protection throughout European airspace.
