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Meteorological devices containing thousands of packs of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as Lithuania's primary air hub was forced to close for several hours when numerous of them floated into the airspace of Lithuania.

Flight Disruptions

The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights disrupting 6,000 passengers, with airport representatives alerting that delays might continue throughout Monday.

Border Security Response

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

Up to 14 of the weather balloons sent during the weekend floated over the Vilnius area, which is situated near Lithuania's main urban center and adjacent to the border with Belarus.

Smuggled Items Retrieved

At least 11 balloons transporting eighteen thousand packages of contraband smoking materials have now been retrieved, though more recoveries are anticipated, according to customs agents.

Regional Smuggling Pattern

Despite the disruption, authorities noted that "Balloons with contraband - Belarusian smoking products - are not unusual in the Baltic region and Poland."

Since January, 544 balloons have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were documented the previous year.

Neighboring Country Impact

Meanwhile, the border area of Poland, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has registered in excess of 100 cases in which smuggled items were delivered from its border nation utilizing the balloons.

Smuggling Techniques

In response to questions about why criminals use a technique that proves highly susceptible to weather factors rather than more controllable drones, authorities explained that "Weather devices are simple mechanisms used by contraband transporters - they are more economical than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."

Security Service Goals

Officials added that "The goal of law enforcement is to capture the greatest possible amounts of illegal goods and to apprehend coordinators and involved individuals so that these practices become economically unsustainable and create minimal risk to commercial air travel."

International Concerns

The recent incidents occur during a period of growing anxiety in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have caused air traffic disruption across the continent.

Similar occurrences in neighboring countries have caused EU officials to speed up talks about enhancing aerial security throughout European airspace.