Lithuanian authorities detain 27 in cigarette smuggling crackdown, including 13 law enforcement officers

A major anti-smuggling operation in Lithuania has led to the detention of 27 individuals, including 13 police and border guard officers, accused of involvement in a large-scale cigarette smuggling network using weather balloons, LRT.lt reports.

Lithuania’s Prosecutor General’s Office and Criminal Police Bureau conducted the operation, targeting two organised criminal groups operating across Vilnius, Šalčininkai, Varėna, Druskininkai, Alytus, and Lazdijai districts. Eight of the detained officers worked at the Šalčininkai Police Commissariat, with two others from Vilnius and three from the State Border Guard Service.

During the raids, nearly 100 officers carried out 74 searches, seizing equipment used for smuggling, including thermal imagers, radio stations, GPS transmitters, drones, face masks, and cigarette packaging tools. Authorities also uncovered encrypted communication devices used to track balloon landings.

Marius Draudvila, deputy general commissioner of Lithuania’s police, stated the operation was part of an ongoing effort against groups “acting cynically against Lithuania’s national, economic, and security interests,” posing threats to civil aviation, public safety, and infrastructure. He confirmed the investigation also targets corruption among officials.

Martynas Jovaiša, senior prosecutor at the Organised Crime and Corruption Investigation Department, said the detained officers—some already suspended—face charges of smuggling and aiding foreign state actions against Lithuania. Further arrests and pretrial measures are expected as the investigation continues.

The case builds on earlier arrests in December, with prosecutors warning that additional charges may emerge as evidence is examined.