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Meteorological devices containing thousands of packs of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for hours when numerous of them floated into the country's airspace.

Air Travel Interruptions

The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights affecting six thousand travelers, with officials warning that additional delays could occur throughout Monday.

National Security Measures

Border security stated that 25 meteorological balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the adjacent country of Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the aviation facility.

Approximately 14 of the atmospheric instruments launched over the weekend floated over the capital region, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and near the Belarusian boundary.

Illegal Goods Seizure

At least 11 balloons carrying numerous containers of contraband smoking materials have been collected so far, though additional discoveries are expected, according to customs agents.

International Illegal Trade

Although causing problems, representatives clarified that "Meteorological equipment transporting smuggled items - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are common occurrences in the Baltic region and Poland."

To date in the current year, numerous meteorological balloons have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were documented the previous year.

Regional Consequences

Meanwhile, the border area of Poland, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has documented over numerous instances in which smuggled items were delivered from its adjacent country employing the meteorological equipment.

Illegal Transport Methods

In response to questions about why criminal organizations employ a technique that proves especially affected by weather conditions rather than easier to manage drones, officials clarified that "Weather devices are rudimentary tools used by smugglers - they are more economical than drones for transporting cigarettes from Belarus."

Security Service Goals

Officials added that "Our services' aim is to capture the greatest possible volumes of smuggled items and to detain organisers and involved individuals so that these practices become unprofitable and create minimal risk to civil aviation."

Regional Security Context

Such border infiltrations occur during a period of heightened tension in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have created aviation problems across the continent.

Parallel situations in nearby states have caused EU officials to accelerate discussions about enhancing aerial security throughout the continent.