Andaman police seek Starlink's help in massive meth seizure investigation
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In a groundbreaking drug seizure, the Andaman and Nicobar police have uncovered over 6,000 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at Rs 360 billion ($4.25 billion) aboard a Myanmar vessel.
The incident, marking the first use of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet by drug smugglers in Indian waters, has prompted authorities to seek assistance from the tech company.
The boat, intercepted last week, carried sacks of suspected contraband and six Myanmar nationals. Police are now investigating how Starlink's portable satellite device was used to navigate the smugglers' journey from Myanmar to Indian waters, reported Reuters.
Hargobinder S. Dhaliwal, a senior officer leading the investigation, revealed that the smugglers used Starlink to bypass traditional communication channels, creating Wi-Fi hotspots for navigation. The device, marketed as a compact and portable unit capable of fitting in a backpack, provided the smugglers with reliable connectivity in deep-sea locations.
"This case is unique because it bypasses all legal communication channels," Dhaliwal explained. Authorities will request Starlink's user data to identify the purchaser, track the device’s usage, and gather other relevant information.
While Starlink provides internet coverage in international waters, its operations within Indian territory require government approval. The company has yet to comment on the case.
The meth seizure has raised concerns about an expanding maritime drug trafficking network. Methamphetamine trafficking along sea routes has increased significantly, with East and Southeast Asia reporting record-high seizures of 190 tons in 2023, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
India, a growing transit and destination market for methamphetamine originating from Myanmar, is increasingly targeted by traffickers. Local authorities are now probing potential links to broader domestic and international syndicates.
The incident coincides with Starlink’s ongoing efforts to secure regulatory approvals for its Indian launch. The company has faced resistance from domestic competitors, including billionaire Mukesh Ambani, who advocates for spectrum auctions over direct allocation.