Translation guide
The illegal trade, transport, or distribution of controlled substances. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific legal terms, common nouns, and verbs describing the act.
To refer to the illegal activity of trading or transporting drugs.
Standard term for illegal drug trade/selling. '麻薬' (narcotics) + '密売' (illegal selling). Often used in news and legal contexts.
He was arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking.
Literally 'narcotics transaction'. A broader term that can include both legal and illegal dealings, but in context usually implies illegal trade.
International drug trafficking has become a problem.
Similar to 麻薬密売 but uses '薬物' (drugs) which is a broader term, covering all illegal substances.
A drug trafficking ring was busted.
Specifically refers to smuggling narcotics across borders. '密輸' means smuggling.
Drug smuggling was uncovered at customs.
To describe the action of engaging in drug trafficking.
To illegally sell narcotics. The most direct verb phrase.
They were trafficking drugs overseas.
To deal/trade narcotics. Can be used for both legal and illegal contexts, but context usually clarifies.
To smuggle drugs. Focuses on the transportation aspect.
To refer to a person who engages in drug trafficking.
Avoid directly translating 'drug trafficking' as 麻薬交通 (narcotics traffic) – this is not used and sounds unnatural. Use the compounds with 密売 or 取引.
密売 (mitsubai) explicitly means illegal selling, while 取引 (torihiki) is a neutral term for transaction. In news, 密売 is preferred for criminal acts, but 取引 is common in broader discussions.
He made a fortune trafficking drugs.
She was caught trying to traffic drugs.
A drug trafficker was caught on the street corner.