Indian police to request information from Elon Musk’s Starlink after $4.25bn Meth smuggling operation uncovered
Indian authorities have announced plans to seek information from Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, following a major drug bust in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Smugglers reportedly used Starlink’s satellite technology to navigate deep seas and bring $4.25 billion worth of methamphetamine into Indian waters.
In what is being called the largest drug seizure of its kind, police discovered over 6,000 kg (13,000 lbs) of meth hidden on a Myanmar boat last week. Six Myanmar nationals were detained in connection with the haul.
The use of Starlink’s satellite device marks the first known instance of its technology being employed in such a smuggling operation, raising concerns. Starlink, which offers coverage in international waters, is planning to launch in India, though it requires government approval for coverage in territorial waters.
Hargobinder S. Dhaliwal, a senior police officer in the Andaman islands, noted that the smugglers bypassed legal channels by directly operating satellite phones and creating Wi-Fi hotspots. Police are now requesting detailed information from Starlink, including the device’s buyer, purchase date, and usage history.
Starlink has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
The seized meth is estimated to have a retail market value of 360 billion rupees ($4.25 billion).
