Lithuania closes airports and Belarus border after balloon smuggling incursion

Lithuania has closed its airports and the border with Belarus following an incursion involving a balloon carrying thousands of contraband cigarettes. The closure, effective Friday, halts all flights and traffic until midday Saturday. Authorities have attributed the smuggling incident to Belarus, which has been linked to 80% of this year"s balloon and drone cases. The government in Vilnius has issued a warning that permanent closures may occur if such incursions continue.

For more on related coverage, see recent developments regarding international smuggling issues.