Lithuanian border guards down drone smuggling contraband cigarettes from Belarus

Lithuania’s State Border Guard Service (VSAT) shot down a drone carrying contraband cigarettes from Belarus in the Šalčininkai district early Wednesday, the agency reported.

Border guards detected the fixed-wing drone near the Švedų forest and surrounding areas of the Dieveniškės Loop along the Belarusian border overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. Using thermal imaging, officers first heard the drone before spotting it flying at low altitude.

The aircraft had entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus and was moving deeper into the country toward Avietinė village, VSAT stated. Officers immediately deployed anti-drone equipment, causing the device to crash.

On Wednesday, guards recovered two bundles near Lobo village containing 240 packs of “NZ Gold” cigarettes with Belarusian tax stamps. The downed drone was found nearby.

An administrative case has been opened at the Gintaras Žagunis border checkpoint for violating excise goods transport regulations. According to VSAT, this marks the 10th contraband drone downed this year—all carrying illegal cigarettes from Belarus. In 2025, officers intercepted 59 such drones, while 54 were shot down in 2024.