Lithuanian border guards down four drones carrying contraband cigarettes from Belarus

Lithuanian border guards in Druskininkai downed four drones carrying illegal cigarettes from Belarus in a single operation overnight, the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) reported on Monday.

The incident occurred in the early hours of July 7 near the village of Jaskonys, close to the Belarusian border. Border officers from the Varėna frontier district heard sounds typical of multiple drones and, using technical means, detected the incoming aircraft. Anti-drone equipment was deployed from several positions, bringing down all four drones along with their cargo.

An inspection revealed the drones were carrying 4,998 packs of Belarusian-brand cigarettes—including “Queen Mentol,” “NZ Gold,” and “Minsk 5 Superslims”—with a total estimated value, including taxes, exceeding €27,500.

A pre-trial investigation has been launched by the Varėna Border Guard Unit under the supervision of a prosecutor from the Kaunas Regional Prosecutor’s Office for the illegal handling of excise goods. The drones and cigarettes are being held at the Druskininkai border checkpoint.

According to VSAT, this is the first time such a large number of drones have been intercepted simultaneously in one location. So far in 2026, border guards have downed 29 drones carrying contraband cigarettes from Belarus. In 2025, 59 such drones were intercepted, and in 2024, the number was 54.