Two US nationals were detained at Srinagar International Airport after security personnel found a banned satellite tracker in their luggage during routine screening, report says.
Two US nationals were detained by security personnel at Srinagar International Airport after a prohibited satellite tracker was found in their luggage during routine screening, CNN-News18 reported, citing security sources.
According to the report, the device was recovered during a standard security check. The two individuals were subsequently handed over to the police and are currently being questioned.
Senior police officials confirmed the development, noting that satellite trackers are banned in the region. “Such devices are sometimes carried by trekkers as well,” an official said.
One of the detained individuals has been identified as Jeffrey Scott, a resident of Montana, US. The second person, Haldar Koushik, is also based in the US.
While satellite trackers and GPS-based devices are commonly used in the US for commercial, personal and safety purposes, they are prohibited in Kashmir due to security concerns.
The region has been emerging as a popular trekking destination, drawing adventure enthusiasts from India and abroad. Authorities are yet to ascertain whether the device was intended for trekking or any other purpose.
Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
In a similar incident earlier this year, a UK-based hiker was detained at Delhi Airport for carrying a Garmin inReach GPS device, which is banned in India. The hiker, known as Hiker Heather on Instagram, was travelling to Rishikesh in Uttarakhand when she was stopped.
Garmin inReach, a satellite communication device, is prohibited in India as the unauthorised use of such equipment is restricted due to security and surveillance concerns.
First Published:
April 19, 2026, 17:48 IST
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