In a significant crackdown on contraband, Lithuanian authorities, specifically the State Border Guard Service (VSAT), have successfully intercepted balloon shipments containing 13,500 packs of illegal cigarettes. The interceptions took place in the Varėna, Šalčininkai, and Ignalina regions. VSAT representative Giedrius Mišutis noted that these balloons were equipped with GPS tracking and highlighted the collaborative effort between VSAT and local police in Varėna, where the third shipment was detected based on intelligence from criminal investigation officers.

This year, Lithuanian authorities have reported a total of 136,000 packs of illegal cigarettes having been intercepted, primarily brought in via balloon flights from Belarus. In addition to the balloon interceptions, VSAT has apprehended 22 individuals suspected to be involved in this type of contraband. This number highlights a significant increase in enforcement activities compared to last year, during which 171 individuals were arrested for similar offenses.

In response to the ongoing issue of balloon interference from Belarus disrupting operations at Vilnius Airport, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė announced that Lithuania has sought assistance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The transport minister, Juras Taminskas, indicated that further measures will be discussed following this diplomatic step, underlining Lithuania's commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of its airspace against such contraband activities.