Lithuania arrests 21 during investigation into balloon smuggling ring that closed airport

In this undated photo released by the State Border Guard Service, an officer inspects a balloon used to carry cigarettes into Lithuania, because Belarussian smugglers often use them to ferry the contraband into the European Union (State Border Guard Service via AP, File) -

Lithuanian authorities have arrested 21 individuals linked to a criminal network that allegedly smuggled cigarettes from Russia-allied Belarus using specially equipped weather balloons. These balloons have repeatedly violated the Baltic nation's airspace in recent weeks.

The Lithuanian general prosecutor's office confirmed over 80 searches were conducted, leading to the seizure of cigarettes with Belarusian excise stamps, SIM cards, communication and tracking signal jammers, and firearms. Luxury cars and valuable property were also confiscated.