An ion scrambler was a piece of equipment with the capability to render technology inoperable, even starships. Makkeer, an individual belonging to Gwarm's gang, which was headed by the pirate captain Gwarm, deployed an ion scrambler to immobilize the Millennium Falcon on Sakreen. This occurred after Han Solo was deceived into believing he was being pursued by the gang. Not long after this, Gwarm's gang found themselves captured by the pirate queen Rane Mahal, who then absconded with their vessel, the Hand of Am-Shak. Subsequently, Solo strategically placed the ion scrambler onto the Hand of Am-Shak, activating it as Mahal tried to flee Sakreen, thereby leaving both pirate groups marooned.