Indian Police Will Check Starlink Regarding Drug Smuggling Worth IDR 65 Trillion

Indian police arrested a smuggler who used Starlink, for navigation and communication tools (photo: x @VodkaDox)

JAKARTA - Indian police plan to ask for information from Starlink, a satellite internet provider company owned by Elon Musk, regarding the use of its devices in the massive drug smuggling that was thwarted in the waters of the Andaman Islands and Nicobar.

In the largest raid ever in the region, police found more than 6,000 kg of methamphetamine on a ship from Myanmar. The illicit goods worth 360 billion rupees (equivalent to Rp65 trillion) were hidden in sacks transported by six Myanmar citizens who have now been detained.

This case attracted special attention because for the first time, Starlink devices were used by smugglers to navigate the deep sea and enter Indian waters. Hargobinder S. Dhabiwal, a high-ranking Andaman police official who led the investigation, stated that smugglers used Starlink devices to create Wi-Fi hotspots that allowed them to stay connected during a trip from Myanmar.

"This incident is different because they go through all legal channels," said Dhaliwal. They operate their cellphones directly via satellite.

Polisi akan meminta Starlink memberikan informasi tentang pembeli perangkat, waktu pembelian, serta riwayanya. Mereka (penyelundulik) menggunakan Starlink Mini sejak perjalanan dimulai dari Myanmar, tambahnya.

Starlink has not commented on this request. The company does have plans to launch a service in India, but its coverage in Indian territorial waters still requires government approval.

Authorities are also investigating the possible involvement of local or international networks in this case.

According to a United Nations (UN) report, methamphetamine trading by sea has increased significantly in recent years. In 2023, East and Southeast Asia recorded a record seizure of 190 tons of methamphetamine. India is said to be one of the transit markets and main goals of methamphetamine from Myanmar.

The Starlink Mini device, known as a compact portable kit and easy to carry in a backpack, is suspected of being a key tool in this smuggling attempt. The police hope that the investigation of this device can help uncover a wider network of smugglers.

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