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Meteorological devices containing a large quantity of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for an extended period when multiple of them floated into the airspace of Lithuania.

Air Travel Interruptions

The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights impacting 6,000 passengers, with authorities cautioning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday.

Border Security Response

Officials confirmed that twenty-five weather balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the adjacent country of Belarus, with two of which ending up directly over the airport's airspace.

As many as 14 of the meteorological devices launched over the weekend drifted across the Vilnius area, which is situated near Lithuania's primary metropolis and near the border with Belarus.

Illegal Goods Seizure

A minimum of 11 balloons containing 18,000 packs of contraband smoking materials have since been recovered, though this number could rise, according to law enforcement authorities.

International Illegal Trade

Despite the disruption, officials emphasized that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are common occurrences in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland."

To date in the current year, over five hundred weather devices have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while 966 were recorded last year.

Cross-Border Effects

At the same time, the border area of Poland, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has recorded more than 100 cases in which contraband was flown from its border nation utilizing the weather devices.

Illegal Transport Methods

In response to questions about why smugglers utilize a technique that proves highly susceptible to weather conditions rather than simpler to operate drones, authorities explained that "Weather devices are rudimentary tools used by contraband transporters - they are less expensive than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus."

Security Service Goals

Representatives further stated that "The goal of law enforcement is to capture the greatest possible quantities of contraband and to detain organisers and participants so that this activity become not financially viable and present no risk to civil aviation."

Regional Security Context

The recent incidents occur during a time of heightened tension in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have resulted in flight interruptions across the continent.

Recent incidents in neighboring countries have prompted European leaders to speed up talks about enhancing aerial security throughout the continent.