Speaking to the Polish state news agency PAP, Wewiór said Warsaw disputes claims that Belarusian authorities were unaware of or had no influence over the smuggling operations.
“The chargé d’affaires was told that Poland does not accept such actions,” he added.
“He could not clarify the role of the Belarusian side, but we contest the notion that these incidents occurred without their knowledge or influence. Continuing such behaviour would have consequences, though we are not disclosing details publicly.”
On Saturday, Polish Radio English Service, citing local police, noted that the balloons were discovered overnighton 16 January 2026 in Białystok and surrounding Sokółka County in north-eastern Poland near the Belarussian border.
Officers discovered two smuggling balloons carrying untaxed cigarettes, including one containing 1,500 packs that had become entangled in a tree on Włókiennicza Street in Białystok, and another with 150 cartons in Wierzchłowce, Sokółka County.
Two smuggling balloons carrying large quantities of untaxed cigarettes were discovered in north-eastern Poland near the border with Belarus, prompting police to warn the public and highlighting a long-running cross-border smuggling route. Photo courtesy of the Polish police in north-eastern Poland.
The National Security Bureau (BBN) reported that the Polish president has been kept continuously informed of the situation and its potential implications.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation after dozens of objects, including the recently discovered smuggling balloons, entered Polish airspace from Belarus.
Officials have noted that incidents such as these could represent provocations disguised as smuggling activity.
Emergency services have urged residents not to approach or touch any suspicious packages or balloons and to report any findings immediately via the emergency number, 112.
Several balloon fragments have previously been found across north-eastern and eastern Poland. Officials contuinue to investigate the full scope of the smuggling operations and any possible involvement of Belarusian actors.
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Source: Polish Radio English Service/PAP