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Meteorological devices containing numerous packages of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was compelled to shut down for hours when numerous of them floated into the country's airspace.

Aviation Problems

The temporary shutdown led to the cancellation of 30 flights impacting 6,000 passengers, with authorities cautioning that delays might continue throughout Monday.

National Security Measures

Authorities reported that multiple atmospheric balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two balloons ending up directly over the aviation facility.

Up to 14 of the meteorological devices deployed throughout the weekend drifted across the Vilnius area, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and close to the Belarusian boundary.

Smuggled Items Retrieved

A minimum of 11 balloons transporting eighteen thousand packages of contraband smoking materials have since been recovered, though this number could rise, according to law enforcement authorities.

Cross-Border Contraband Trend

While creating issues, representatives clarified that "Balloons with contraband - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are nothing new in neighboring countries."

To date in the current year, 544 balloons have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while nearly a thousand were recorded last year.

Regional Consequences

At the same time, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has registered in excess of 100 cases in which illegal goods were transported from its neighbor using the meteorological equipment.

Smuggling Techniques

Regarding inquiries concerning why smugglers utilize a method that is highly susceptible to weather factors rather than easier to manage drones, authorities explained that "Weather devices are basic instruments used by smugglers - they are cheaper than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus."

Security Service Goals

Officials added that "The objective of our agencies is to seize the largest possible volumes of smuggled items and to detain organisers and involved individuals so that such operations become unprofitable and present no risk to passenger aircraft."

European Tensions

The recent incidents occur during an era marked by heightened tension in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have caused air traffic disruption across the continent.

Recent incidents in adjacent nations have prompted European leaders to speed up talks about strengthening air defences throughout European airspace.