On the afternoon of the 17th of May, Estonian police, following a report from a local resident, found a large meteorological balloon with Belarusian contraband cigarettes in Tartu County, near Lake Peipus, writes ERR News.
Lauri Tamm, operational head of the Southern Prefecture of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBA), said that information about a flying object was received in the village of Kobratu in Tartu County at around 4:30 p.m. Patrol units in the area checked the report and identified the balloon. Tracking of its movement was started both from the ground and using drones. The balloon continued its journey over the village of Nõva, then landed.
The cargo was attached to the balloon – two boxes wrapped in black film,
which contained contraband cigarettes with Belarusian excise stickers. The contraband cigarettes were later handed over to the Customs and Tax Administration.
According to Tamm, the flow of contraband from Belarus to Europe has not stopped, and neighboring countries are also facing similar situations. When the wind direction is favorable, balloons with cargo are launched from Belarus, but their direction of movement and landing location largely depend on weather conditions. Tamm added that the route of the balloon found in Tartu County is being clarified.
Read also: Border checkpoints with Russia to remain closed at night