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Weather balloons transporting numerous packages of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was compelled to shut down for an extended period when dozens of them entered the country's airspace.

Flight Disruptions

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

Law Enforcement Actions

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

Up to 14 of the meteorological devices deployed throughout the weekend passed through the metropolitan zone, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and near the Belarusian boundary.

Contraband Recovery

At least 11 balloons containing eighteen thousand packages of black-market cigarettes have been collected so far, though additional discoveries are expected, according to border security officials.

Regional Smuggling Pattern

Although causing problems, officials emphasized that "Meteorological equipment transporting smuggled items - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are common occurrences in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland."

So far this year, numerous meteorological balloons have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while approximately 966 had been noted during the prior year.

Neighboring Country Impact

Meanwhile, the north-eastern Polish territory, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has registered in excess of 100 cases in which smuggled items were delivered from its neighbor using the weather devices.

Smuggling Techniques

In response to questions about why criminals use a technique that proves especially affected by weather factors rather than easier to manage drones, authorities explained that "Weather devices are basic instruments used by contraband transporters - they are cheaper than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus."

Security Service Goals

Authorities continued that "The objective of our agencies is to confiscate the maximum possible quantities of contraband and to detain organisers and perpetrators so that this activity become unprofitable and create minimal risk to civil aviation."

Regional Security Context

The recent incidents 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 led European authorities to speed up talks about enhancing aerial security throughout the region.