BENGALURU – Indian police have issued a legal notice to Elon Musk’s Starlink, requesting detailed information about a customer whose internet device was allegedly used in navigating a Myanmar boat carrying $4.2 billion worth of methamphetamine.
The historic drug seizure, the largest in India’s history, took place in late November near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Authorities recovered over 6,000 kilograms of meth and discovered a Starlink Mini internet device on board. Police suspect the device facilitated navigation in international waters en route to Indian territory.
According to sources, Andaman police have asked Starlink for details including the purchaser’s name, payment method, registration information, and the device’s usage history. The notice, sent on December 4 under Indian law, also seeks the mobile number and email ID tied to the Starlink account.
Neither Starlink nor Andaman police responded to requests for comment.
This incident marks the first reported use of a Starlink device in a major drug smuggling operation in Indian waters, raising concerns about potential security vulnerabilities as Starlink seeks regulatory approval for satellite broadband services in India.
The timing of the investigation comes as the Musk-owned company navigates a competitive market, having recently overcome a regulatory dispute with Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani over satellite spectrum allocation.
Authorities remain vigilant, with the Andaman police emphasizing the need for strict monitoring as advanced technologies like Starlink become increasingly accessible in criminal activities.