Authorities arrested two Belarusian citizens after intercepting a balloon carrying 30,000 untaxed cigarettes near the eastern border.
Discovery of the Smuggling Attempt
On Sunday (September 28), shortly after 1:00 AM, police in the Ostrów district uncovered an unusual smuggling method involving a balloon. The balloon, approximately 10 meters high, was found carrying a package wrapped in clear foil with Cyrillic writing. The package contained 30,000 cigarettes without Polish tax stamps, valued at nearly 45,000 złoty (around 10,000 USD).
Arrest of Suspects
Police spotted a Toyota with two Belarusian men near the landing site. During a routine check, officers found a device to track the balloon and a stolen phone. Both men, aged 24 and 32, were arrested and taken into custody.
Legal Consequences
On Monday (September 29), both men faced charges of smuggling untaxed tobacco. The 24-year-old also faced additional charges of receiving stolen property, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.
