Lithuanian government allocates €800,000 for overtime pay of anti-smuggling officers

The Lithuanian government has allocated nearly €800,000 from its reserve fund to cover overtime pay for officers combating smuggling, particularly contraband balloons, LRT reports.

According to a draft resolution prepared by the Ministry of Finance, the funds will be distributed among three law enforcement institutions: €387,900 to the Police Department, €382,600 to the State Border Guard Service, and €20,600 to the Public Security Service.

Former Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius previously told BNS that additional funding was needed for fuel, operations, and overtime pay due to intensified patrols. The state of emergency regarding contraband balloons entering Lithuania from Belarus has been in effect since December 9, 2025. This is the first time reserve funds have been allocated specifically for overtime pay for officers.