Poland summons Belarus envoy over cigarette-smuggling balloons PHOTO

Poland’s foreign ministry called in the Belarusian chargé d’affaires after several balloons used for cigarette smuggling were found in north-eastern Poland near the border with Belarus, a ministry spokesperson said on January 22.

Maciej Wewiór, spokesman for Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Warsaw rejects claims that the incidents occurred without the knowledge or influence of Belarusian authorities, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“The chargé d’affaires was informed that Poland does not accept such actions,” Wewiór said.

“He was unable to clarify the role of the Belarusian side, but we contest the notion that these incidents happened without their awareness or influence. If such behaviour continues, it will have consequences, although we are not disclosing details publicly.”

The balloons were discovered overnight on January 16 in the city of Białystok and in nearby Sokółka County.

Officers found two balloons carrying untaxed cigarettes, one of which became entangled in a tree on Włókiennicza Street in Białystok and contained around 1,500 packs. Another, found in the village of Wierzchłowce in Sokółka County, was carrying about 150 cartons.

Police said the finds highlight a long-running cross-border smuggling route and prompted warnings to residents to remain alert. Emergency services have urged the public not to approach or touch any suspicious objects and to report them immediately via the emergency number 112.

The National Security Bureau (BBN) said the Polish president has been kept continuously informed about the incidents and their potential implications. Authorities are monitoring the situation after dozens of objects, including smuggling balloons, have entered Polish airspace from Belarus in recent weeks.

By Aghakazim Guliyev