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Meteorological devices containing thousands of packs of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for several hours when numerous of them entered the country's airspace.

Aviation Problems

The airport closure led to 30 flight cancellations impacting thousands of passengers, with officials warning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.

Law Enforcement Actions

Authorities reported that twenty-five weather balloons were spotted infiltrating Lithuania from the adjacent country of Belarus, with two balloons ending up directly over the main terminal.

As many as 14 of the meteorological devices deployed throughout the weekend drifted across the Vilnius area, which is situated near Lithuania's primary metropolis and close to the frontier with Belarus.

Illegal Goods Seizure

At least 11 balloons transporting numerous containers of illegal tobacco products have since been recovered, though this number could rise, according to law enforcement authorities.

Regional Smuggling Pattern

Although causing problems, authorities noted that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - Belarusian smoking products - are not unusual in neighboring countries."

So far this year, over five hundred weather devices have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were documented the previous year.

Neighboring Country Impact

At the same time, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has recorded more than one hundred incidents in which smuggled items were delivered from its neighbor using the meteorological equipment.

Illegal Transport Methods

Regarding inquiries concerning why criminal organizations employ a method that is highly susceptible to weather conditions rather than simpler to operate drones, authorities explained that "Weather devices are rudimentary tools used by contraband transporters - they are more economical than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus."

Border Protection Aims

Officials added that "Our services' aim is to confiscate the maximum possible amounts of illegal goods and to detain organisers and involved individuals so that this activity become not financially viable and do not pose risk to commercial air travel."

Regional Security Context

The recent incidents occur during an era marked by increased concerns in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have resulted in flight interruptions across the region.

Similar occurrences in nearby states have led European authorities to speed up talks about strengthening air defences throughout the region.