Lithuania intercepts record number of weather balloons from Belarus Photo

Lithuanian border guards have intercepted a record number of weather balloons carrying contraband cigarettes in a single day, according to the country’s State Border Guard Service.

The agency said seven weather balloons transporting illegal tobacco products were discovered over the past 24 hours — the highest number recorded so far this year. Radar data indicated that the balloons had been launched from Belarusian territory, Caliber.Az reports per Lithuanian media. 

Border officials said that the smugglers were unable to recover the shipments before officers arrived. In total, the intercepted balloons were carrying around 12,700 packs of cigarettes intended for illegal entry into Lithuania.

Lithuanian authorities have previously warned of an increase in the use of unmanned aerial methods, including weather balloons, to smuggle contraband across the country’s eastern border with Belarus.

By Sabina Mammadli