On Thursday, Lithuanian border guards at the Kabeliai checkpoint seized a shipment of contraband cigarettes that had been flown in from Belarus using a balloon, acting on intelligence from criminal investigation units. The seizure included 1,520 packs of 'NZ Gold' and 'Queen Menthol' cigarettes, all marked with Belarusian excise stamps, along with a GPS device attached to the cargo indicating the smugglers' route. Due to illegal possession of excise goods, a pre-trial investigation has been initiated.

As reported by the State Border Guard Service of Lithuania (VSAT), 2023 has seen a significant rise in cigarette smuggling incidents via balloons from Belarus, with a total of 45 cases reported so far this year, resulting in the interception of over 121,000 packs of cigarettes valued at around 540,000 euros, including taxes. This trend marks a notable increase from the previous year's figures, where 63 and 45 balloon shipments were seized in January and February respectively.

Additionally, VSAT officials have apprehended 22 individuals suspected to be involved in contraband activities associated with aerial deliveries from Belarus this year. In 2022, law enforcement caught 171 suspected operatives linked to similar balloon-delivered shipments. These ongoing operations underscore the continued challenge of combating smuggling routes and the innovative methods used by traffickers to evade border security in Lithuania.