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Weather balloons transporting numerous packages of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for several hours when dozens of them floated into the country's airspace.

Aviation Problems

The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights affecting 6,000 passengers, with airport representatives alerting that additional delays could occur throughout Monday.

Law Enforcement Actions

Authorities reported that 25 meteorological balloons were spotted infiltrating Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two balloons ending up right above the airport's airspace.

As many as 14 of the atmospheric instruments deployed throughout the weekend drifted across the metropolitan zone, which is home to Lithuania's capital city and adjacent to the border with Belarus.

Smuggled Items Retrieved

A minimum of 11 balloons containing numerous containers of contraband smoking materials have been collected so far, though additional discoveries are expected, according to customs agents.

Cross-Border Contraband Trend

While creating issues, representatives clarified that "Balloons with contraband - Belarusian smoking products - are nothing new in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland."

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

Neighboring Country Impact

Meanwhile, the north-eastern Polish territory, which also borders Belarus, has recorded more than 100 cases in which smuggled items were delivered from its border nation utilizing the meteorological equipment.

Illegal Transport Methods

When questioned about why criminals use a technique that proves highly susceptible to weather factors rather than simpler to operate drones, officials clarified that "Meteorological balloons are rudimentary tools used by smugglers - they are less expensive than drones for transporting cigarettes 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 arrest masterminds and perpetrators so that this activity become not financially viable and present no risk to civil aviation."

European Tensions

Such border infiltrations occur during an era marked by increased concerns in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have resulted in flight interruptions across European nations.

Recent incidents in nearby states have prompted European leaders to accelerate discussions about strengthening air defences throughout the continent.