Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 29 November 2024
In a significant revelation, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has been linked to a massive drug bust in the Andaman Sea, where approximately 6,000 kilograms of methamphetamine were discovered aboard a Myanmarese fishing trawler near Barren Island of the UT of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The Indian Coast Guard intercepted the vessel and apprehended six Myanmarese nationals onboard.
Initial reports indicated that the suspects were in possession of an Inmarsat satellite phone. However, recently, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Andaman and Nicobar Police, Mr. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, informed PTI that investigators also found a Starlink mini dish, along with sim cards from multiple countries, Myanmarese currency, and the previously reported Inmarsat device.
This marks the first instance of smugglers using Starlink’s high-speed internet connectivity to navigate remote and rough sea routes in the region. According to the DGP, while Starlink services are unavailable in Myanmar—the fishing trawler’s country of origin—they are accessible in nearby regions. Investigators plan to approach SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, to gather details regarding the device’s purchase, usage, and activity history.
A Game-Changer in Smuggling Operations
Starlink is a satellite-based broadband service developed by SpaceX, a private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company founded by Elon Musk in 2002. The service leverages a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet access, particularly in remote or underserved areas.
Primarily designed to bridge connectivity gaps worldwide, Starlink offers low-latency internet with download speeds suitable for real-time communication and advanced navigation. Its portable hardware, including mini dishes, has now been identified as a tool in facilitating illicit activities in remote maritime regions.
Smuggling Network and Investigation Progress
The fishing trawler, towed to Sri Vijaya Puram Port, was carrying Methamphetamine valued at approximately ₹36,000 crore (USD 4.26 Billion) in the international market. Authorities are investigating the larger smuggling network, focusing on identifying international and regional operatives.
The DGP further clarified that the consignment was not intended for delivery in India. However, he added that the smugglers had contacted someone in India and investigation is being conducted to ascertain whether a fraction of the drugs was meant for distribution in India. The Deccan Herald reported this detail, the report was later shared on micro-blogging platform X (formerly Twitter) by the Andaman and Nicobar Police.
Implications of Technology in Crime
The use of advanced technology such as Starlink underscores the growing sophistication of smuggling operations. This incident highlights the dual-use nature of innovations like satellite internet, capable of transforming global connectivity while posing challenges for law enforcement.
The Andaman and Nicobar Police, in collaboration with other agencies, continues to investigate this high-stakes case.