salt smuggler; trafficker
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesnoun
(in former times) salt smuggler; one who illegally traded salt
archaicHistorically refers to individuals who smuggled salt during imperial China's salt monopoly periods. Often associated with organized resistance against government salt taxes.
During the Qing Dynasty, salt smugglers who were caught were often executed.
Many salt smugglers were active in the Huai salt region, organizing armed resistance against salt police.
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Grandfather worked as a salt smuggler when he was young, but later went legitimate and became a merchant.
noun
smuggler; trafficker; (esp.) drug trafficker
derogatoryModern extended usage referring to anyone engaged in smuggling contraband or illegal drug trade. Carries strong negative connotations.
Police recently cracked a major drug case, arresting several traffickers.
These smugglers use fishing boats as cover to conduct their operations at sea.
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The traffickers in border regions are often heavily armed and extremely dangerous.
That smuggling ring leader was finally sentenced to life imprisonment.