Synonyms of smugglers

smugglers

noun

plural of smuggler

as in runners

a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally

during Prohibition, smugglers of alcohol did a brisk business

Synonyms & Similar Words

• runners
• couriers
• bootleggers
• mules
• coyotes
• contrabandists
• gunrunners

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of smugglers

The drug smugglers who had hired Rangel told Para that her husband had been killed. — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Advertisement Prosecutors alleged that crew members had collaborated with smugglers during three rescue operations conducted between 2016 and 2017. — Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 17 July 2026

As if to prove the point, street prices for cocaine in the United States have plummeted, the opposite of what would be expected if smugglers were being deterred. — Marie-Rose Sheinerman, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

In other instances, Warrick said, there will be ghost carriers or fraudulent pickups of drivers or middlemen posing as legitimate transporters, but who are really smugglers. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 July 2026

Sistan-Baluchistan, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has long seen clashes between security forces, insurgents and drug smugglers. — Alex Sundby, CBS News, 30 June 2026

For example, when Rhode Islanders complained about how the British ship Gaspee was attacking their ships without mercy in its hunt for smugglers, the Royal Navy waved away the colonial government. — Robert Parkinson, The Conversation, 24 June 2026

To get there, Sodais climbed mountains in the snow, moved from border to border with the help of smugglers, got captured a dozen times and spent time in jail. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

They are packed by smugglers into small and unsafe boats, with thousands dying during the perilous sea journey. — ABC News, 19 June 2026