Lithuania reports sharp decrease in cigarette smuggling from Belarus

February 3, Pozirk. Lithuania’s border guards reported a decrease in smuggled cigarette seizures to 1.39 million packs in 2024 from 2.5 million in 2023, the country’s State Border Guard Service (VSAT) reported.

Most of cigarettes confiscated last year were made in Belarus (1.2 million packs).

One of the reasons for the decrease is the use of high-tech methods of smuggling—226 hot air balloons and 54 drones were intercepted in a year.

A five-meter-high border fence and a video surveillance system have become significant obstacles to cigarette smuggling.

The closure of border crossings with Belarus also had an impact. Over a million packs were confiscated at border crossings in 2023 and just 9,000 in 2024.

VSAT noted that the Alaksandar Łukašenka regime facilitates the smuggling of Belarusian cigarettes. The excess production by the Nioman factory is “intended exclusively for the illegal market,” it said

Lithuania closed Šumskas and Tverečius checkpoints in 2023 and Lavoriškės and Raigardas in 2024, citing smuggling as one of the reasons.

Only the Medininkai and Šalčininkai checkpoints to handle the cross-border traffic between the two countries.

Also read: Trucks waiting 24-36 hours after closure of Lithuania checkpoints