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Weather balloons transporting thousands of packs of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as Lithuania's primary air hub was forced to close for several hours when dozens of them drifted across the country's airspace.

Aviation Problems

The operational halt led to the cancellation of 30 flights disrupting six thousand travelers, with authorities cautioning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.

Law Enforcement Actions

Officials confirmed that twenty-five weather balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with a pair of them ending up directly over the main terminal.

Approximately 14 of the atmospheric instruments launched over the weekend floated over the capital region, 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 numerous containers of illegal tobacco products have since been recovered, though additional discoveries are expected, according to law enforcement authorities.

Cross-Border Contraband Trend

While creating issues, officials emphasized that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are nothing new in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland."

Since January, 544 balloons have been documented crossing into Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were documented the previous year.

Cross-Border Effects

Meanwhile, the north-eastern Polish territory, which also borders Belarus, has documented over 100 cases in which smuggled items were delivered from its neighbor using the meteorological equipment.

Illegal Transport Methods

Regarding inquiries concerning why criminals use a method that is highly susceptible to weather elements rather than more controllable drones, officials clarified that "Atmospheric equipment are rudimentary tools used by smugglers - they are less expensive than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus."

Security Service Goals

Representatives further stated that "Our services' aim is to confiscate the maximum possible quantities of contraband and to arrest masterminds and perpetrators so that these practices become not financially viable and create minimal risk to passenger aircraft."

International Concerns

Such border infiltrations occur during a period of growing anxiety in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have created aviation problems across the continent.

Similar occurrences in neighboring countries have led European authorities to fast-track conversations about strengthening air defences throughout the region.