Фото: VSAT
Lithuanian border guards reported the detention of three men who arrived to collect contraband cigarettes delivered by a weather balloon from Belarus. The incident took place on Thursday.
According to the State Border Guard Service, officers обнаружили a balloon carrying contraband near the village of Mikučiškės outside Vilnius and set up an ambush. The plan proved successful. After some time, an Audi Q7 with three men arrived at the field. One of them got out to retrieve the cargo and was detained. The other two attempted to drive away but were also stopped.
Inside the vehicle, officers found a gas cylinder, a mask, a bank card in an unknown name, and plant substances believed to be drugs. They also discovered parts of an air tracker, wrapped boxes, and a GPS tracker.
While waiting for reinforcements, one of the detainees attempted to escape. He jumped into the SUV used by the border patrol and tried to drive off. A scuffle followed, which ended when a service dog bit the suspect on the leg. The man was provided with medical assistance.
Among those detained are a 40-year-old resident of Vilnius and two young men aged 24 and 19 from the Šalčininkai District. All three were intoxicated, with blood alcohol levels ranging from 0.19 to 1.97 promille.
The men have been placed in custody for one month, and a pre-trial investigation has been launched. The cigarettes and other evidence, including the Audi Q7, are being held at a border guard facility.