Police in India have raised concerns about SpaceX’s Starlink internet service being potentially involved in a major drug smuggling case. The authorities sent a legal demand to Starlink after drug smugglers were caught with a staggering $4.2 billion worth of methamphetamine.
According to sources cited by Reuters, Indian police have reached out to Starlink requesting information about its maritime devices. It is believed that these devices may have facilitated the smuggling operation, allowing the drug traffickers to transport their illicit cargo from Myanmar to India through international waters.
The authorities are specifically asking Starlink to disclose details such as the identity of the purchaser, the method of payment used for the devices, registration information, and the locations where the devices were utilized during the smuggling operation.
Starlink’s response to the Indian authorities’ inquiries has put the company in a challenging position. SpaceX’s Starlink internet service has not yet been launched in India, as the company is still in the process of securing approval from the Indian government. Just last month, it seemed that the launch of Starlink in India was imminent, pending final approval to ensure compliance with the country’s security regulations.
As this situation unfolds, questions about Starlink’s potential involvement in the drug smuggling case continue to linger. The authorities are keen on obtaining more information from the company to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the use of Starlink’s maritime devices in the illicit operation.
If you have any tips or information related to this case, you can reach out to me at maria@teslarati.com or via Twitter @Writer_01001101.
The investigation into this high-profile drug smuggling case in India involving billions of dollars worth of methamphetamine has put a spotlight on the intersection of technology, maritime security, and criminal activities. As more details emerge, the role of companies like SpaceX and their technology in such illicit operations will undoubtedly come under further scrutiny.