In a significant enforcement action, Lithuanian border guards apprehended a drone late Wednesday night that was flying into Lithuania from Belarus, carrying contraband cigarettes. The incident took place near the village of Sabaliūnai in the Šalčininkai region, within a zone mostly surrounded by Belarusian territory known as the Dieveniškės Loop. The drone was detected using night vision equipment, triggering a swift response from border authorities who utilized anti-drone technology to prevent its further flight.

Following the drone's interception, border guards conducted a thorough search of the area, which is characterized by challenging terrain and potential hiding spots used by smugglers. Their efforts paid off when they located a makeshift drone equipped with four propellers and a package wrapped in green polyethylene, containing 1,000 packets of 'NZ Gold' cigarettes complete with Belarusian excise stamps. This seizure highlights ongoing concerns about cross-border smuggling activities in the region as the area serves as a critical entry point for illicit goods.

With the help of a police dog named Ziganas, the border guards were able to follow footprints in the snow, indicating the presence of accomplices involved in the smuggling operation. The investigation led to the apprehension of three suspects believed to be connected to this incident, underscoring the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to combat smuggling and uphold border security in Lithuania as tensions with Belarus persist.