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Meteorological devices containing thousands of packs of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as Lithuania's primary air hub was required to halt operations for an extended period when numerous of them entered the airspace of Lithuania.

Aviation Problems

The temporary shutdown led to the cancellation of 30 flights disrupting 6,000 passengers, with authorities cautioning that additional delays could occur throughout Monday.

National Security Measures

Officials confirmed that 25 meteorological balloons were detected entering Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, with a pair of them ending up right above the airport's airspace.

As many as 14 of the meteorological devices launched over the weekend passed through the capital region, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and adjacent to the border with Belarus.

Illegal Goods Seizure

At least 11 balloons carrying numerous containers of black-market cigarettes have been collected so far, though more recoveries are anticipated, according to law enforcement authorities.

Cross-Border Contraband Trend

Despite the disruption, representatives clarified that "Balloons with contraband - cigarettes from Belarus - are nothing new in neighboring countries."

So far this year, 544 balloons have been documented crossing into Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were noted during the prior year.

Cross-Border Effects

At the same time, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has documented over 100 cases in which illegal goods were transported from its border nation utilizing the meteorological equipment.

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, authorities explained that "Atmospheric equipment are rudimentary tools used by smugglers - they are cheaper than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."

Border Protection Aims

Authorities continued that "Our services' aim is to capture the greatest possible volumes of smuggled items and to detain organisers and perpetrators so that this activity become not financially viable and create minimal risk to passenger aircraft."

International Concerns

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

Parallel situations in adjacent nations have caused EU officials to fast-track conversations about strengthening air defences throughout the continent.