In the Šalčininkai district, Lithuanian border guards intercepted a balloon with contraband cargo that flew from Belarus, and also detained a man who came to pick up the goods,
reported
the State Border Guard Service of Lithuania.
Павялічыць
Border guards noticed a balloon descending near the border and found its remnants along with a package wrapped in white film. They set up an ambush nearby.
Павялічыць
A few hours later, a 23-year-old local resident came to this spot. According to Lithuanian services, he intended to pick up the cargo.
The package contained 1500 packs of NZ Gold cigarettes with Belarusian excise stamps. According to Lithuanian estimates, the value of the contraband, including taxes, exceeds 8 thousand euros.
Павялічыць
A criminal investigation has been launched against the detainee for illegal trafficking of excisable goods. Under Lithuanian law, he faces a fine or up to four years in prison.
Lithuanian border guards also reported that since the beginning of the year, they have already intercepted 97 shipments delivered by balloons and detained 37 people involved in such schemes.