Smuggling

Smuggling refers to the illicit movement of goods, people, or contraband across borders or through jurisdictions in violation of applicable laws and regulations. It is typically carried out to avoid duties, taxes, quotas, or immigration controls. Smuggling is distinct from trafficking in persons, which involves exploitation or coercion of individuals; it also differs from legal trade and from piracy or theft.

Common forms include goods smuggling, such as contraband tobacco, alcohol, drugs, weapons, or electronics, and currency smuggling, where cash is moved to evade reporting requirements. Human smuggling involves facilitating the illegal entry or residence of people, usually for payment; it is separate from human trafficking, which involves forced labor or sexual exploitation.

Smuggling employs concealment, false documentation, falsified labels, corrupt officials, hidden compartments, or routing through nontraditional channels to evade detection. It can involve legitimate supply chains, shipping, or air and land transport, and may be organized by criminal networks.

Economic and social impacts include revenue losses for governments, unfair competition with compliant traders, and funding of organized crime. Health and safety risks arise from the transport of illicit or substandard goods and from unsafe migratory experiences. Smuggling can also lead to violence and legal penalties for participants in many jurisdictions.

Enforcement involves national laws and international cooperation. Agencies such as customs authorities, border security, and law enforcement investigate, detain, and prosecute smugglers. International instruments and treaties encourage cooperation, information sharing, and coordinated operations to deter smuggling flows and to protect the rights and safety of individuals.