Smugglers are using weather balloons to fly contraband — mainly cigarettes — into Lithuania from Belarus, triggering serious disruptions, including a shutdown of Vilnius airport.

Over 500 such balloons have been reported this year, as drones and other methods are intercepted.

Lithuania's tightened border security has forced traffickers to get creative, even using rivers and tunnels.

Authorities link the smuggling surge to Belarusian hybrid tactics targeting the EU.