On Wednesday night, officers from the Varėna Border Guard Unit in Lithuania detected the sound of a drone operating near the village of Sabaliūnai in the Šalčininkai region. Upon closer inspection with portable vision equipment, they located another drone traveling in the same direction. This area, known as the Dieveniškės Loop, is surrounded on three sides by Belarusian territory, which raises concerns about smuggling activities occurring in these border zones.

The border guards swiftly deployed anti-drone equipment, successfully preventing the unmanned aerial vehicle from continuing its flight. They proceeded to block surrounding areas and enlisted the help of a service dog to initiate a search in the darkness. Their efforts soon paid off, as they discovered an illegal drone belonging to traffickers just a few hundred meters from the border with Belarus. The homemade drone was equipped with four propellers, indicating a sophisticated level of operation for smuggling purposes.

The interception highlights the ongoing issue of cross-border smuggling in the region, particularly concerning cigarettes and other contraband. With the involvement of border guards and advanced drone detection technology, Lithuanian authorities are actively working to combat illegal trafficking and strengthen border security. The detention of the three suspects involved emphasizes the proactive measures being taken to address these challenges and maintain security along the border with Belarus.