Balloons carrying numerous packages of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was compelled to shut down for an extended period when dozens of them entered the airspace of Lithuania.
Flight Disruptions
The operational halt led to 30 flight cancellations affecting six thousand travelers, with airport representatives alerting that additional delays could occur throughout Monday.
Border Security Response
Authorities reported that multiple atmospheric balloons were spotted infiltrating Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the airport's airspace.
Up to 14 of the weather balloons launched over the weekend passed through the Vilnius area, which is the location of Lithuania's capital city and near the frontier 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
Although causing problems, representatives clarified that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - cigarettes from Belarus - are nothing new in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland."
So far this year, over five hundred weather devices have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were recorded last year.
Regional Consequences
Meanwhile, the north-eastern Polish territory, which also borders Belarus, has recorded more than numerous instances in which contraband was flown from its adjacent country employing the meteorological equipment.
Criminal Methodology
When questioned about why criminal organizations employ a approach that remains highly susceptible to weather elements rather than simpler to operate drones, representatives elaborated that "Atmospheric equipment are rudimentary tools used by smugglers - they are less expensive than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."
Security Service Goals
Representatives further stated that "The goal of law enforcement is to capture the greatest possible amounts of illegal goods and to detain organisers and perpetrators so that these practices become economically unsustainable and do not pose risk to civil aviation."
International Concerns
The recent incidents 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 neighboring countries have caused EU officials to accelerate discussions about improving airspace protection throughout the region.
