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Meteorological devices containing thousands of packs of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as Vilnius Airport was required to halt operations for an extended period when dozens of them floated into the country's airspace.

Flight Disruptions

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

National Security Measures

Authorities reported that 25 meteorological balloons were observed crossing into Lithuania from the adjacent country of Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the aviation facility.

Approximately 14 of the weather balloons launched over the weekend drifted across the metropolitan zone, which is the location of Lithuania's main urban center and adjacent to the frontier with Belarus.

Illegal Goods Seizure

At least 11 balloons carrying eighteen thousand packages of contraband smoking materials have now been retrieved, though this number could rise, according to border security officials.

International Illegal Trade

Although causing problems, representatives clarified that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are nothing new in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland."

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

Neighboring Country Impact

Simultaneously, the north-eastern Polish territory, which also borders Belarus, has recorded more than 100 cases in which smuggled items were delivered from its border nation utilizing the weather devices.

Criminal Methodology

In response to questions about why criminal organizations employ a technique that proves particularly vulnerable to weather elements rather than more controllable drones, officials clarified that "Atmospheric equipment are simple mechanisms used by smugglers - they are less expensive than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."

Law Enforcement Objectives

Officials added that "The goal of law enforcement is to confiscate the maximum possible volumes of smuggled items and to arrest masterminds and involved individuals so that these practices become unprofitable and present no risk to commercial air travel."

International Concerns

The recent incidents occur during a time of growing anxiety in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have resulted in flight interruptions across European nations.

Recent incidents in nearby states have caused EU officials to accelerate discussions about strengthening air defences throughout European airspace.