A preliminary investigation has revealed that three individuals—E. R., D. N., and D.
R.—operated as part of an organized group, collaborating with associates from Belarus to illegally move excise goods. The group was found to have evaded customs controls and failed to secure necessary acquisition documentation for the merchandise. By mid-April 2026, the group had amassed substantial quantities of cigarettes bearing Belarusian excise stamps.
The illicit transport involved sophisticated methods, including the use of hot air balloons, GPS technology, and mobile communication equipment. Specifically, authorities recovered over 42,000 packets of cigarettes marked with Belarusian banderoles in Druskininkai County. The total estimated value of this single seizure, inclusive of mandatory taxes, exceeded 205,000 euros.
The investigation further established a pattern of organized smuggling. Prior to this major haul, the members had already acquired approximately 21,000 packets of cigarettes under similar circumstances, valued at 109,000 euros. The use of air transport, particularly hot air balloons, suggests a coordinated effort to bypass standard border inspections.
The scale of the operation indicates a sustained effort to move contraband cigarettes across international lines.
Topics: #cigarettes #air #balloons
