{"id":210508,"date":"2026-11-04T18:43:43","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T15:43:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/210508\/"},"modified":"2026-11-04T18:43:45","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T15:43:45","slug":"lithuania-arrests-two-suspected-of-smuggling-cigarettes-from-belarus-by-air","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/210508\/","title":{"rendered":"Lithuania arrests two suspected of smuggling cigarettes from Belarus by air"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

November 4, Pozirk.<\/em> <\/strong>Lithuanian authorities arrested two Vilnius residents suspected of smuggling cigarettes from Belarus by balloons two days ago, the Lithuanian State Border Guards Service reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While verifying information about the contraband smuggling by balloons, officers found 3,000 packs of Minsk 5 Superslims cigarettes with Belarusian excise stamps in a Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV with Lithuanian license plates stopped for a check in Vilnius. The illegal cargo\u2019s worth was estimated at \u20ac16,500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authorities launched a pretrial investigation into smuggling. Both suspects were released after questioning on the condition that they sign a written pledge not to leave the city. The offense carries penalties ranging from a fine to up to four years in prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tensions between Belarus and Lithuania over cigarette smuggling by air started rising in October 2025, forcing Lithuanian authorities to close the border and suspend operations at Vilnius International Airport, located close to the Belarusian border, over incursions of smugglers\u2019 balloons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vilnius declared an \u201cextreme situation,\u201d a low-level emergency, in December 2025 in response to what it called \u201ca hybrid attack from Belarus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cigarettes cost the equivalent of about \u20ac1 per pack in Belarus and are significantly cheaper than legally sold cigarettes in Lithuania, where prices start at around \u20ac5. Smuggled NZ-brand cigarettes can be purchased in Vilnius for about \u20ac2 per pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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