Indian authorities are investigating the involvement of Elon Musk's Starlink in a major drug smuggling operation that led to the seizure of $4.2 billion worth of methamphetamine. Police have sent a legal request to Starlink, seeking details about the purchaser of the internet device used by smugglers during their journey from Myanmar to India.

The seizure took place in late November when Indian authorities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands intercepted a boat carrying over 6,000 kg (13,000 pounds) of meth. Upon investigation, officials discovered that the Starlink Mini device was used to establish a Wi-Fi hotspot during the smugglers' journey across international waters.

The police request, issued on December 4, includes details about the purchaser's identity, payment method, registration information, and the device's usage history. Authorities are also seeking the mobile number and email ID linked to the Starlink account involved. This marks the first known instance of Starlink technology being tied to illegal activities in Indian waters, raising serious concerns about its potential misuse.

Hargobinder S. Dhaliwal, a senior officer overseeing the investigation, noted that the smugglers bypassed conventional communication systems by using satellite-based devices, specifically the Starlink Mini, to communicate during their journey. Dhaliwal explained, "They (smugglers) were using Starlink since their journey started from Myanmar."

As part of their investigation, police are exploring the possibility of local or international syndicates being involved in the smuggling network. Starlink, which provides internet coverage in international waters, is currently awaiting approval to launch its services in India. The company has also faced opposition from Reliance Industries’ chairman, Mukesh Ambani, who has been lobbying for spectrum allocation in India’s satellite broadband sector.

This investigation highlights the challenges authorities face as they tackle new technologies being exploited for illegal activities, with the outcome potentially influencing future regulations concerning satellite internet services in India.