Andaman and Nicobar police said smugglers aboard a boat from Myanmar used a Starlink Mini during a methamphetamine-smuggling journey. Reuters reported the police account, but the cited coverage does not establish that the device independently navigated the boat or that forensic evidence confirmed how it was used. Police put the seized drugs’ retail-market value at $4.25 billion; that is an estimate, not a verified sale value.
What happened in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Reuters reported that police seized more than 6,000 kg (about 13,000 lb) of methamphetamine from a Myanmar boat in late November 2024 and detained six Myanmar nationals. Andaman and Nicobar police estimated the drugs’ retail-market value at 360 billion rupees, reported as $4.25 billion. The quantity and valuation are police-reported figures, not an independently verified transaction or sale price. Reuters reporting republished by The Economic Times covered the seizure on December 3, 2024.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What did police say about Starlink Mini?
Hargobinder S. Dhaliwal, the senior Andaman Islands police officer handling the case, told Reuters that the smugglers used a Starlink Mini and had used it from the start of their journey from Myanmar. He also described phones connecting through satellite service to create a Wi-Fi hotspot, saying: “They directly operated (phones) with satellite, creating a Wi-Fi hotspot.”
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
These are statements attributed to the officer, not an independently established technical finding in the cited reports. The coverage does not document a forensic examination confirming the device’s use, or show that Starlink alone supplied navigation. Satellite internet connectivity and a proven navigation function are distinct claims; the reporting supports the former only as part of the police account.
#1 Best Overall
- Bundle Includes: STARLINK - Mini Kit AC Dual Band Wi-Fi System - White
- FAST SATELLITE INTERNET ANYWHERE: Access high-speed, low-latency internet even in and rural areas using the global Starlink satellite network. Designed by SpaceX, the Starlink Mini Kit provides dependable connectivity without wired infrastructure, making it ideal for travel, camping, work, off-grid cabins, RV setups, and locations with no traditional broadband options.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE DESIGN: The Starlink Mini is small enough to carry in a backpack yet powerful enough for daily use. Its portable, all-in-one design includes an integrated Wi-Fi router, DC power input, and rugged housing suitable for on-the-go applications. Whether at a campsite, construction site, or temporary location, Starlink Mini offers quick deployment and reliable performance.
- EASY TWO-STEP SETUP: Get online in minutes—simply plug in the Mini, point it at the sky, and connect. The kit includes everything needed for installation, including a kickstand, pipe adapter, power cable, and power supply. Use the Starlink app to find a clear sky view, check obstructions, explore mounting options, and manage your Starlink account and hardware settings.
- BUILT-IN ROUTER WITH WI-FI 5: The Starlink Mini includes an integrated dual-band Wi-Fi 5 router for strong wireless coverage and stable speeds. A built-in ethernet port provides wired connectivity for routers, mesh systems, gaming devices, or network hardware. Average power consumption of 25–40 watts supports efficient operation in off-grid or mobile power setups.
Did Starlink navigate the boat or lead police to it?
The reports do not establish either conclusion. Police said a Starlink Mini was used during the journey, but they do not show that the terminal itself plotted or guided the route. Nor do they say that Starlink use caused the boat to be detected or seized. The device should not be described as having made the boat invisible, either: the cited coverage provides no evidence for such a claim.
What was known about the investigation’s request to Starlink?
Dhaliwal said he planned to seek information from Starlink about who bought the device, when it was purchased and its usage history. The December 3, 2024 reports said Starlink had not immediately responded to Reuters’ request for comment. They do not establish whether investigators ultimately made the request, whether Starlink responded, or whether authorities identified who operated the device.
Rank #2
- Not official Starlink Bundle. No warranty.
- This is not an official starlink bundle. Purchasing this item does not come with a Starlink warranty.
- This is not Starlink. You will not receive a warranty with this bundle created by an outside seller.
Why did the case draw attention?
Dhaliwal described the case as unusual because, in his words, “This (case) is different because it is bypassing all the legal channels.” Reuters also reported that methamphetamine seizures across East and Southeast Asia reached a record 190 tons in 2023, citing the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Its coverage characterized India as a growing transit and destination market for methamphetamine from Myanmar.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe Starlink aspect is therefore a reported detail in a major drug seizure, not proof that satellite internet caused or enabled the operation in a specific way. The cited articles are two republications of Reuters reporting, not independent investigations. NDTV’s December 3, 2024 republication of the Reuters report includes the officer’s quoted comments.
Rank #3
- Ultra-Compact Design: Lightweight and portable for easy transport and quick setup—ideal for boats, RVs, campers, and off-grid cabins.
- Global Coverage: Connect from virtually any location on land or sea through SpaceX’s expansive satellite constellation.
- High-Speed, Low-Latency Internet: Stream, game, and work remotely with speeds comparable to home broadband.
- Plug-and-Play Setup: Simple installation with pre-configured hardware—ready to go in minutes.
- Durable & Weather-Resistant: Engineered to perform under extreme conditions, from high humidity to cold alpine regions.
What is Starlink Mini?
In this story, Starlink Mini refers to the satellite internet device police said was aboard the boat. Satellite internet can provide an internet connection in places where conventional networks may not be available; that does not by itself establish a device’s role in navigation. The reporting noted at the time that Starlink coverage was available in international waters, while service in Indian territorial waters was contingent on government approval. That is historical regulatory context from December 2024, not a statement of current service availability.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
