Meteorological devices containing numerous packages of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was required to halt operations for several hours when dozens of them entered the airspace of Lithuania.
The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights affecting thousands of passengers, with airport representatives alerting that delays might continue throughout Monday.
Officials confirmed that twenty-five weather balloons were spotted infiltrating Lithuania from the adjacent country of Belarus, with two balloons ending up right above the airport's airspace.
Up to 14 of the atmospheric instruments launched over the weekend floated over the Vilnius area, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and close to the Belarusian boundary.
No fewer than 11 balloons containing eighteen thousand packages of black-market cigarettes have since been recovered, though more recoveries are anticipated, according to customs agents.
While creating issues, officials emphasized that "Meteorological equipment transporting smuggled items - cigarettes from Belarus - are not unusual in neighboring countries."
To date in the current year, over five hundred weather devices have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while nearly a thousand were noted during the prior year.
Meanwhile, the north-eastern Polish territory, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has registered in excess of 100 cases in which contraband was flown from its border nation utilizing the meteorological equipment.
In response to questions about why smugglers utilize a technique that proves particularly vulnerable to weather conditions rather than more controllable drones, authorities explained that "Meteorological balloons are rudimentary tools used by illegal traders - they are cheaper than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus."
Authorities continued that "The objective of our agencies is to confiscate the maximum possible quantities of contraband and to detain organisers and involved individuals so that this activity become economically unsustainable and create minimal risk to commercial air travel."
The recent incidents occur during a time of heightened tension in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have caused air traffic disruption across the region.
Parallel situations in nearby states have prompted European leaders to fast-track conversations about improving airspace protection throughout the region.
Eva de Vries is a passionate book lover and local writer from Eindhoven.
