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Weather balloons transporting thousands of packs of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was compelled to shut down for an extended period when numerous of them drifted across the airspace of Lithuania.

Aviation Problems

The airport closure led to thirty canceled flights affecting 6,000 passengers, with authorities cautioning that delays might continue throughout Monday.

National Security Measures

Border security stated that twenty-five weather balloons were spotted infiltrating Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, with two balloons ending up right above the airport's airspace.

Approximately 14 of the meteorological devices deployed throughout the weekend passed through the metropolitan zone, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and adjacent to the frontier with Belarus.

Smuggled Items Retrieved

A minimum of 11 balloons containing numerous containers of illegal tobacco products have since been recovered, though additional discoveries are expected, according to law enforcement authorities.

International Illegal Trade

While creating issues, representatives clarified that "Balloons with contraband - cigarettes from Belarus - are not unusual in neighboring countries."

To date in the current year, 544 balloons have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while approximately 966 had been noted during the prior year.

Neighboring Country Impact

Simultaneously, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has recorded more than 100 cases in which smuggled items were delivered from its neighbor using the meteorological equipment.

Illegal Transport Methods

In response to questions about why criminals use a method that is particularly vulnerable to weather conditions rather than more controllable drones, officials clarified that "Weather devices are basic instruments used by smugglers - they are cheaper than drones for transporting cigarettes from Belarus."

Law Enforcement Objectives

Officials added that "Our services' aim is to confiscate the maximum possible volumes of smuggled items and to arrest masterminds and participants so that this activity become economically unsustainable and present no risk to civil aviation."

European Tensions

Such border infiltrations occur during an era marked by growing anxiety in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have created aviation problems across the region.

Similar occurrences in neighboring countries have caused EU officials to fast-track conversations about strengthening air defences throughout the continent.