Indian authorities have issued a legal request to Elon Musk’s Starlink, demanding information regarding the purchaser of its internet device, which is utilized for maritime navigation. This inquiry follows the apprehension of smugglers in connection with the largest drug seizure in India, involving methamphetamine valued at $4.2 billion. Officials from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, who are familiar with the police notice, indicated that Starlink has been asked to provide the buyer’s identity, payment method, registration details, and the specific location where the device was employed during the smugglers’ journey from Myanmar to India. This incident has raised significant concerns, marking the first instance in which a Starlink device has been implicated in navigating to Indian waters amid a substantial drug trafficking operation.
The investigation coincides with Starlink’s efforts to mitigate potential security issues as it seeks approval to launch its satellite broadband services in India. Recently, Starlink emerged victorious in a contentious dispute with billionaire Mukesh Ambani regarding the allocation of satellite spectrum by the Indian government.In late November, police in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands confiscated over 13,000 pounds of meth from a vessel originating in Myanmar, which was found to have utilized the Starlink Mini internet device, known to function in international waters. The authorities estimated the street value of the seized methamphetamine at approximately $4.25 billion. According to one source, the Andaman police issued a notice on December 4 under Indian law, which grants them the authority to request information from companies involved in ongoing investigations. Additionally, the police have sought the mobile number and email address associated with the Starlink account, as reported by both sources who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the case.
