Lithuanian officials carried out a sweeping crackdown on criminal networks accused of contraband over the border from Belarus using weather balloons, the interior ministry confirmed on its website on November 17.

As reported by bne IntelliNews, Lithuania views the balloon-borne smuggling from Belarus as part of the country’s hybrid war, especially as they pose threats to Lithuania’s civil aviation and resulted in many flight cancellations.

In response, Lithuania’s interior ministry recently set up a joint investigative unit bringing together border guards, police, customs staff and financial crime experts.

On November 17, more than 100 officers from the border guard service, police, customs and financial crime investigators raided over 30 locations across Vilnius, Druskininkai, and the districts of Varena and Salcininkai in a coordinated push against what has become one of the country’s more unusual smuggling methods.

Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic said the results highlight the advantage of tighter intelligence sharing and joint operations.

 “This is a clear message to smuggling organisers and their accomplices. Our strategic goal is not only to make this type of criminal activity unprofitable but also to deter would-be offenders,” he said.

Officers recovered a haul that included dozens of GPS trackers and communications kit believed to guide the balloon drops, as well as mobile phones. Firearms, ammunition, drugs, illicit cigarettes and vehicles tied to the smuggling rings were also seized.

Officials say more than 100 people have already been linked to the airborne cigarette routes, with further suspects expected as inquiries continue.