In a major development following India's largest drug seizure, law enforcement authorities have issued a legal notice to SpaceX's Starlink, requesting details about a satellite device found aboard a vessel carrying methamphetamine worth $4.2 billion.
The Indian Coast Guard intercepted the suspicious vessel near the Andaman and Nicobar islands in November after an aircraft spotted it close to Barren Island, an uninhabited area known for scuba diving. The boat, disguised as a fishing trawler, was traveling from Myanmar when authorities discovered 6,000kg of methamphetamine onboard.
During the investigation, officials found a Starlink Mini internet device on the vessel, which was allegedly used to navigate Indian waters. Six Myanmar nationals were arrested in connection with the smuggling operation.
The police notice, sent on December 4 under Indian law, demands specific information from Starlink, including:
- The buyer's identity
- Payment method details
- Device registration information
- Usage locations during international transit
- Associated mobile number and email
This request comes at a sensitive time for Starlink's operations in India, as the company is currently seeking necessary licenses to operate in the country. While India's telecom minister recently indicated progress in the clearance process, Starlink has not yet secured final approval.
The case highlights how satellite internet technology, designed to provide connectivity in remote areas, can potentially be misused for illegal activities. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the broader network behind this massive drug trafficking operation.
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