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Meteorological devices containing numerous packages of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for an extended period when dozens of them entered the country's airspace.

Aviation Problems

The temporary shutdown led to thirty canceled flights impacting six thousand travelers, with authorities cautioning that delays might continue throughout Monday.

Border Security Response

Authorities reported that twenty-five weather balloons were spotted infiltrating Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up directly over the main terminal.

Approximately 14 of the meteorological devices sent during the weekend passed through the metropolitan zone, which is the location of Lithuania's main urban center and near the border with Belarus.

Illegal Goods Seizure

No fewer than 11 balloons containing numerous containers of black-market cigarettes have since been recovered, though this number could rise, according to law enforcement authorities.

Regional Smuggling Pattern

While creating issues, authorities noted that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - Belarusian smoking products - are not unusual in neighboring countries."

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

Neighboring Country Impact

At the same time, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which also borders Belarus, has documented over one hundred incidents in which illegal goods were transported from its neighbor using the balloons.

Smuggling Techniques

In response to questions about why criminal organizations employ a method that is highly susceptible to weather factors rather than more controllable drones, representatives elaborated that "Atmospheric equipment are basic instruments used by illegal traders - they are less expensive than drones for moving tobacco products from Belarus."

Law Enforcement Objectives

Authorities continued that "The objective of our agencies is to confiscate the maximum possible volumes of smuggled items and to detain organisers and involved individuals so that this activity become not financially viable and create minimal risk to commercial air travel."

International Concerns

The recent incidents occur during a time of heightened tension in Europe following various aerial device infiltrations that have resulted in flight interruptions across European nations.

Similar occurrences in neighboring countries have led European authorities to accelerate discussions about enhancing aerial security throughout the region.