Indian authorities have launched a probe into Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, following the discovery of one of its devices aboard a Myanmar boat seized with a staggering 6,000 kilograms of methamphetamine. The record-breaking drug bust, one of the largest in the region, has raised alarming questions about the role of cutting-edge technology in facilitating criminal enterprises.
The vessel, intercepted by Indian coastal police in a dramatic operation off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was found equipped with a Starlink satellite internet device, which officials say was likely used for real-time communication and coordination during the illicit voyage. The seizure marks a troubling instance of advanced technology being exploited by drug trafficking networks, prompting concerns over the oversight of such tools.
Authorities have formally requested Starlink, operated by SpaceX, to provide detailed account information and usage history linked to the device. “We are working to trace the individuals or groups behind this operation,” a senior police official stated. “The satellite internet capability gave the traffickers a significant advantage, allowing them to operate beyond the reach of traditional surveillance.”
The bust underscores the growing challenge of policing high-tech aids in the hands of organized crime. Starlink’s satellite network, designed to deliver high-speed internet to remote areas, has been hailed for its potential to bridge digital divides. However, this incident highlights a darker side, where its accessibility and global reach could inadvertently empower illegal activities.
Investigators are now piecing together how the device was acquired and activated, as Starlink services are not yet officially available in Myanmar. Speculation points to black-market procurement or exploitation of the system’s rollout in neighboring regions. The findings could have broader implications for regulating satellite-based technologies as they become more widespread.
Starlink has not yet issued a public statement on the matter, but the company is expected to cooperate with Indian authorities as the investigation unfolds. Meanwhile, the seizure of 6,000 kg of meth – with an estimated street value in the hundreds of millions – represents a significant blow to the regional drug trade, even as it exposes new vulnerabilities in the fight against transnational crime.
As the probe deepens, experts warn that this may be just the tip of the iceberg, urging stricter controls to prevent such technologies from falling into the wrong hands. For now, the focus remains on unraveling the network behind the boat, with Starlink’s data potentially holding the key to cracking the case wide open.
