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Weather balloons transporting thousands of packs of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was required to halt operations for hours when dozens of them floated into the country's airspace.

Aviation Problems

The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights affecting six thousand travelers, with authorities cautioning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.

Border Security Response

Border security stated that twenty-five weather balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the main terminal.

As many as 14 of the atmospheric instruments launched over the weekend drifted across the capital region, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and near the frontier with Belarus.

Smuggled Items Retrieved

A minimum of 11 balloons transporting numerous containers of black-market cigarettes have been collected so far, 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 neighboring countries."

To date in the current year, over five hundred weather devices have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were recorded last year.

Neighboring Country Impact

Simultaneously, the border area of Poland, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has documented over 100 cases in which contraband was flown from its neighbor using the weather devices.

Illegal Transport Methods

Regarding inquiries concerning why criminal organizations employ a approach that remains highly susceptible to weather elements rather than simpler to operate drones, officials clarified that "Atmospheric equipment are rudimentary tools used by illegal traders - they are more economical than drones for transporting cigarettes from Belarus."

Law Enforcement Objectives

Representatives further stated that "The goal of law enforcement is to seize the largest possible amounts of illegal goods and to arrest masterminds and involved individuals so that these practices become economically unsustainable and create minimal risk to commercial air travel."

European Tensions

Such border infiltrations occur during an era marked by increased concerns in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have created aviation problems across European nations.

Recent incidents in neighboring countries have led European authorities to speed up talks about strengthening air defences throughout European airspace.