In Lithuania, a major smuggling channel using meteorological balloons was uncovered
In the Šalčininkai district, Lithuanian law enforcement officers uncovered a major smuggling channel from Belarus and detained three people. The operation took place on May 19, reports the Lithuanian Police.
Criminal police officers, along with other units, discovered suspicious vehicles in a forest area near the village of Novosiolki (Naujasodis), prepared for transporting illegal cargo. Nearby, 24 boxes of cigarettes with Belarusian excise stamps were found.
According to the investigation, the contraband was delivered to Lithuania using meteorological balloons.
Two suspects were immediately detained in the forest; the third initially fled but later surrendered to the police.
During searches of the suspects' cars and residences, they found:
- about 12 thousand packs of NZ cigarettes (worth approximately 65 thousand euros);
- GPS devices;
- communication jamming equipment;
- night vision devices,
- phones, computers, and cash.
A criminal case was initiated against the detainees for smuggling and illegal circulation of excise goods. They face up to 8 years in prison. The court has already remanded all three in custody for 3 months.