Weather balloons transporting numerous packages of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as Lithuania's primary air hub was required to halt operations for several hours when numerous of them floated into the airspace of Lithuania.
Aviation Problems
The temporary shutdown led to the cancellation of 30 flights disrupting 6,000 passengers, with authorities cautioning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.
Border Security Response
Officials confirmed that 25 meteorological balloons were observed crossing into Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up precisely above the aviation facility.
As many as 14 of the atmospheric instruments sent during the weekend floated over the metropolitan zone, which is home to Lithuania's capital city and adjacent to the Belarusian boundary.
Smuggled Items Retrieved
No fewer than 11 balloons transporting numerous containers of contraband smoking materials have now been retrieved, though additional discoveries are expected, according to law enforcement authorities.
International Illegal Trade
Although causing problems, authorities noted that "Balloons with contraband - cigarettes from Belarus - are not unusual in the Baltic region and Poland."
To date in the current year, numerous meteorological balloons have been documented crossing into Lithuania from Belarus, while nearly a thousand were documented the previous year.
Cross-Border Effects
Meanwhile, the north-eastern Polish territory, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has recorded more than 100 cases in which contraband was flown from its adjacent country employing the weather devices.
Illegal Transport Methods
When questioned about why criminals use a technique that proves highly susceptible to weather conditions rather than more controllable drones, representatives elaborated that "Atmospheric equipment are rudimentary tools used by illegal traders - they are more economical than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus."
Security Service Goals
Representatives further stated that "The goal of law enforcement is to seize the largest possible amounts of illegal goods and to apprehend coordinators and involved individuals so that such operations become not financially viable and do not pose risk to passenger aircraft."
International Concerns
The recent incidents occur during a time of increased concerns in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have resulted in flight interruptions across European nations.
Parallel situations in neighboring countries have led European authorities to speed up talks about enhancing aerial security throughout the continent.
