Meteorological devices containing a large quantity of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was compelled to shut down for several hours when dozens of them drifted across the airspace of Lithuania.
Aviation Problems
The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights disrupting six thousand travelers, with airport representatives alerting that delays might continue throughout Monday.
Law Enforcement Actions
Border security stated that twenty-five weather balloons were spotted infiltrating Lithuania from the adjacent country of Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the main terminal.
As many as 14 of the weather balloons sent during the weekend passed through the capital region, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and adjacent to the border with Belarus.
Contraband Recovery
A minimum of 11 balloons transporting numerous containers of black-market cigarettes have now been retrieved, though this number could rise, according to customs agents.
International Illegal Trade
Despite the disruption, authorities noted that "Balloons with contraband - cigarettes from Belarus - are nothing new in neighboring countries."
Since January, over five hundred weather devices have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were recorded last year.
Neighboring Country Impact
Meanwhile, the border area of Poland, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has registered in excess of 100 cases in which contraband was flown from its adjacent country employing the balloons.
Criminal Methodology
Regarding inquiries concerning why criminal organizations employ a method that is highly susceptible to weather factors rather than simpler to operate drones, representatives elaborated that "Meteorological balloons are basic instruments used by illegal traders - they are cheaper than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."
Law Enforcement Objectives
Representatives further stated that "The objective of our agencies is to capture the greatest possible amounts of illegal goods and to apprehend coordinators and involved individuals so that such operations become economically unsustainable and present no risk to passenger aircraft."
International Concerns
The recent incidents occur during a period of heightened tension in Europe following various aerial device infiltrations that have created aviation problems across European nations.
Parallel situations in nearby states have caused EU officials to speed up talks about enhancing aerial security throughout European airspace.
