As Lithuania steps up efforts to curb cigarette smuggling from Belarus, tobacco giant Philip Morris International has donated seven drone systems to the government to help detect contraband transported by balloons.
The drones, expected to be operated by the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, are intended to support authorities in tracking illegal shipments, particularly those arriving from Belarus.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said balloon-borne smuggling is only one of several methods used to transport illicit tobacco.
“Contraband is also moved by cars and heavy transport, often in larger quantities,” she said. “We have seizures and detained smugglers, but this will remain an ongoing effort.”
The donated drones, identified as Autel Alpha drone systems, are equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging capabilities. They can operate at altitudes exceeding 5 kilometres and help determine the direction of balloon flights.
According to Mindaugas Lukas of the Riflemen’s Union, the drones will primarily be used for surveillance.
“The main purpose is to monitor landing sites and track individuals arriving to collect the contraband,” he said. “This is not a countermeasure system – it cannot intercept balloons effectively. It is about observation over a wider area.”
Under Lithuanian law, state institutions are generally prohibited from using Chinese-made drones due to concerns over security vulnerabilities and espionage risks.
The drones are produced by Autel Robotics, a company headquartered in Shenzhen, often referred to as a global hub for drone manufacturing, though one of its largest production facilities is located in Vietnam.
Representatives of Philip Morris International said the equipment was selected based on expert recommendations.
“We are not military experts,” said Michał Mierzejewski, the company’s vice president for Northern and Eastern Europe. “Experts advised us on what was needed and how the drones could be used in different situations, and we followed those recommendations.”
While Lithuanian institutions face restrictions on using Chinese equipment, exceptions may be granted in certain cases. Authorities may deploy such drones for intelligence, search operations and efforts to combat smuggling by air.
Cigarette smuggling from Belarus remains a persistent challenge for Lithuanian authorities, law enforcement and businesses alike.
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