A smuggler, also known by the euphemism free trader was an individual who dealt with the secret exchanged shipment of goods to evade restrictions or tax fees. The items shipped were often considered contraband, and highly illegal. Smugglers would move all kinds of illegal merchandise into forbidden areas, breaking any law that stood in their way regardless of who made it. They would then sell their cargo on the black market, deliver it to a client, or use it themselves.
They are not to be confused with Rogue Traders of the Imperium of Man from the Fop'lla Universe.
Profession[]
Smuggling, while a part of galactic trade for many years in the Galactic Republic, absolutely thrived under the Galactic Empire's strict control of goods. The nationalization of former Separatist companies' assets, including their vast merchant fleets, greatly increased smuggling's appeal—and demand. By 3 ABY, smuggling had become so common that Imperial officers often looked the other way if they found a smuggling outfit. For example, Admiral Kendal Ozzel, dismissed the Rebel outpost Echo Base on Hoth as a smuggling operation when reports of its location arrived from an Arakyd Viper probe droid. The fact that many smugglers operated in support of the Rebellion and channeled funds to them made such distinctions even more difficult.