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Weather balloons transporting numerous packages of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for several hours when multiple of them drifted across the airspace of Lithuania.

Flight Disruptions

The temporary shutdown led to 30 flight cancellations disrupting six thousand travelers, with authorities cautioning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.

Border Security Response

Border security stated that 25 meteorological balloons were observed crossing into Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two balloons ending up precisely above the aviation facility.

As many as 14 of the meteorological devices deployed throughout the weekend passed through the metropolitan zone, which is the location of Lithuania's primary metropolis and adjacent to the Belarusian boundary.

Illegal Goods Seizure

No fewer than 11 balloons containing eighteen thousand packages of black-market cigarettes have since been recovered, 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 common occurrences in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland."

So far this year, over five hundred weather devices have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while nearly a thousand were noted during the prior year.

Neighboring Country Impact

At the same time, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which also borders Belarus, has registered in excess of one hundred incidents in which illegal goods were transported from its neighbor using the weather devices.

Criminal Methodology

When questioned about why criminal organizations employ a approach that remains highly susceptible to weather elements rather than more controllable drones, authorities explained that "Meteorological balloons are basic instruments used by contraband transporters - they are cheaper than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."

Security Service Goals

Officials added that "Our services' aim is to seize the largest possible quantities of contraband and to detain organisers and perpetrators so that these practices become not financially viable and create minimal risk to civil aviation."

Regional Security Context

The recent incidents occur during a period of increased concerns in Europe following various aerial device infiltrations that have created aviation problems across the region.

Parallel situations in nearby states have caused EU officials to speed up talks about strengthening air defences throughout the continent.