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Weather balloons transporting thousands of packs of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as Lithuania's primary air hub was forced to close for hours when numerous of them entered the national airspace.

Air Travel Interruptions

The operational halt led to the cancellation of 30 flights affecting 6,000 passengers, with officials warning that delays might continue throughout Monday.

Law Enforcement Actions

Border security stated that 25 meteorological balloons were detected entering Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, with two balloons ending up directly over the airport's airspace.

Approximately 14 of the weather balloons launched over the weekend passed through the capital region, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and near the frontier with Belarus.

Contraband Recovery

At least 11 balloons carrying 18,000 packs of contraband smoking materials have been collected so far, though this number could rise, according to law enforcement authorities.

International Illegal Trade

Although causing problems, representatives clarified that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - cigarettes from Belarus - are nothing new in the Baltic region and Poland."

To date in the current year, over five hundred weather devices have been documented crossing into Lithuania from Belarus, while approximately 966 had been noted during the prior year.

Neighboring Country Impact

Meanwhile, the border area of Poland, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has recorded more than one hundred incidents in which illegal goods were transported from its neighbor using the weather devices.

Smuggling Techniques

Regarding inquiries concerning why criminals use a technique that proves particularly vulnerable to weather elements rather than simpler to operate drones, authorities explained that "Weather devices are rudimentary tools used by contraband transporters - they are cheaper than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."

Security Service Goals

Representatives further stated that "Our services' aim is to seize the largest possible quantities of contraband and to detain organisers and involved individuals so that these practices become economically unsustainable and present no risk to civil aviation."

International Concerns

Such border infiltrations occur during a time of increased concerns in Europe following various aerial device infiltrations 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.