Polish Guards Seize Drone Smuggling Cigarettes from Belarus

Modern Smuggling Methods Increase
Those engaged in smuggling are increasingly relying on advanced methods to sidestep border controls. This act of smuggling cigarettes using a drone marks the 18th time this year that a drone has been used to smuggle cigarettes across the border in Podlaskie province. Officials also recorded 118 cases that involved the use of weather balloons. In total, the drones and balloons seized this year transported cigarettes worth roughly 3.4 million zlotys (€800,000). Further, authorities have arrested 29 people in relation to these activity centres.

Airspace Violations and Regional Issues
The increase in the number of incursions into airspace creates an economic and security risk. By circumventing the tobacco tax, smugglers cause a loss to the state budget while creating interruptions with regard to air traffic and infrastructure. Lithuania, which also borders Belarus, has previously encountered similar issues. Airports there have been forced to close for periods of time as a result of smuggling-related weather balloons.

Because of these repeated incidents, Lithuania and the European Union have also protested to Minsk. The Prime Minister of Lithuania, Inga Ruginienė, confirmed that the armed forces of the country have been instructed to shoot down weather balloons. These incidents have also increased, as observers have noted, because of previous incursions of EU and NATO airspace by Russian drones and aircraft. Observers stated that at least 20 drones entered Polish territory in a single night in September.