trafficking

[traf-i-king]

noun

1. the practice of dealing or trading in a commodity or service, often an illegal one.

   drug trafficking.

2. human trafficking.

3. sex trafficking.

Word History and Origins

Origin of trafficking¹

First recorded in 1530–40; traffic ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Interpol, the international policing agency, says increased global migration and human trafficking has led to more people being reported missing outside of their countries, which can make identifying bodies more challenging.

Read more on BBC

On Friday morning, for the fourth time in a month, American forces launched a strike on a boat off the coast of Venezuela that the administration claimed was trafficking drugs.

Read more on Salon

US forces have killed four people in an attack on a boat off the coast of Venezuela that was allegedly trafficking drugs, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says.

Read more on BBC

Maduro has strongly rejected Washington's accusations and has defended his government's actions against drug trafficking.

Read more on BBC

The UK government says Thailand has strict laws against drug use, possession and trafficking and having even small quantities can lead to heavy fines and jail time.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• piracy 
• smuggling www.thesaurus.com