Latvia Intercepts Multiple Cigarette Smuggling Balloons from Belarus

Latvian Authorities Intercept Smuggling Balloons

Between the evening of November 23rd and the morning of November 24th, 2025, Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) radar systems detected and tracked multiple airborne objects crossing the Latvian-Belarusian state border. In a coordinated effort, the State Border Guard, in cooperation with the State Police, successfully intercepted and retrieved at least seven meteorological balloons carrying illegal cigarette cargo. The total haul from these balloons exceeded 720,000 illegal cigarettes.

Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis confirmed the incidents, stating that while critical infrastructure was not at risk, this method represents a significant channel for illegal cigarette smuggling into Latvia. He urged residents who spot such balloons not to approach them or attempt to shoot them down, but instead to immediately alert the appropriate services by calling 112 to prevent the contraband from entering the black market.

Sophisticated Smuggling Operations

The intercepted meteorological balloons were found to carry substantial quantities of contraband. Each balloon was capable of transporting between 60,000 and 120,000 cigarettes, often identified as 'NZ Gold' brand with Belarusian excise stamps. The State Border Guard and State Police initiated operational activities in eastern border regions, including Daugavpils and Ludza, conducting inspections and patrols to locate the objects.

This method of smuggling has become increasingly prevalent, with criminals utilizing technology such as GPS equipment to guide the high-flying balloons. Latvian internal security services are actively cooperating with their counterparts in Lithuania and Poland to share experiences and develop effective responses to these cross-border incursions.

Regional Context and Broader Implications

The use of meteorological balloons for cigarette smuggling is not isolated to Latvia. Neighboring Lithuania has faced similar, and often more frequent, incidents. Lithuanian border guards have intercepted approximately 550 balloons and 51 drones carrying contraband from Belarus in 2025 alone, a threefold increase from the previous year. These incursions have caused significant disruptions, including multiple closures of Vilnius Airport due to security concerns, affecting numerous flights and thousands of passengers.

Analysts suggest that Belarusian authorities may be facilitating or even encouraging these smuggling operations. Belarus produces an estimated 34 billion cigarettes annually, with only about half sold domestically or legally exported, leaving a substantial surplus for illegal channels. Some observers also view these balloon launches as a potential 'hybrid attack,' serving not only economic smuggling purposes but also as a means to test the reactions and air defense capabilities of Baltic states.

Ongoing Vigilance

Latvian authorities have encountered meteorological balloons with smuggled cigarettes on previous occasions throughout 2025, with incidents reported in October, September, and May in various border regions. The ongoing nature of these incidents underscores the persistent challenge posed by cross-border smuggling from Belarus. The responsible Latvian services continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for public cooperation in reporting suspicious objects to maintain border security.