Indian Police Crack Down On Elon Musks Spacex Amid 42 Billion Methamphetamine Bust

Indian police have sent a stern warning to SpaceX’s Starlink system, demanding that the company reveal the identity of the individual who purchased one of its satellite devices used to navigate Indian waters during a massive methamphetamine smuggling operation. The incident has raised questions about the company’s security measures and regulatory compliance in India.

Last month, the Indian Coast Guard made headlines by seizing 6,000kg (13,227 lb) of methamphetamine worth an estimated $4.25 billion from a boat operating under the guise of a legitimate fishing trawler near the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The vessel, carrying six Myanmar nationals, was tracked by an aircraft on routine patrol before it was intercepted and seized.

The Starlink device in question was reportedly found on the boat, prompting the Indian authorities to send a police notice to SpaceX, asking for details about the purchaser of the device. The notice requests the buyer’s name, payment method, registration details, and where the device was used during the smugglers’ time in international waters. Additionally, the authorities want the mobile number and email registered to the Starlink account.

Starlink has been making significant strides in securing licenses to operate in India, with the country’s telecom minister earlier stating that the company was in the process of procuring clearances. However, it appears that the company is more than willing to cooperate with the authorities in this instance, possibly due to its ongoing efforts to gain a foothold in the Indian market.

The Indian police sent the notice on December 4 under an Indian law that empowers authorities to seek information from companies in connection with an investigation. The move comes as Starlink prepares to launch another batch of satellites into low-Earth orbit, sparking concerns about environmental impact and potential regulatory risks.

In related news, a Ukrainian-American nonprofit organization has submitted filings to the FCC objecting to SpaceX’s proposal to add 22,488 more satellites to its constellation. The group cites Elon Musk’s alleged ties to Russia as one of its reasons for opposing the plans, highlighting the growing scrutiny surrounding the billionaire entrepreneur’s business dealings.

As tensions around Starlink’s operations in India continue to rise, it remains to be seen how the company will respond to the police demand. The incident has sparked a broader debate about regulation and accountability in the satellite industry, with potential implications for SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to secure licenses to operate in India.