hidden cargo
Smuggled goods aboard
Hidden cargo is goods concealed during transport, typically to evade detection by customs, law enforcement, or other authorities.
The phrase usually implies illegal or contraband materials—drugs, weapons, smuggled people—though it can describe any secretly transported items: The ship's hidden cargo was discovered during a routine inspection.
Figuratively, hidden cargo suggests concealed burdens or secrets someone carries.
- smuggledMoved goods illegally
- contrabandProhibited trade goods
- black marketIllicit trading system
- stowawaySecret unpaid traveler
- concealedMade invisible deliberately
secret · secret compartment · compartment · illicit · trafficking · smuggling ring · customs · customs officer · bootleg · crate · shipping container · hold · manifest · shipment · undercover · illegal · stash · drug mule