trafficking
UK: ˈtræfɪkɪŋ | US: ˈtræfɪkɪŋ
n. the illegal movement or trade of goods, especially drugs or people
v. present participle of traffic (archaic: to trade or deal in goods)
The word trafficking derives from traffic, which entered English in the early 16th century from the Italian traffico (trade) or Old French trafique. The root traffic originally referred to commerce or transportation of goods, but by the 19th century, it gained negative connotations tied to illegal trade (e.g., drug trafficking). The suffix -ing nominalizes the verb or indicates ongoing action.
Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights.
The government intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking.
She was arrested for trafficking endangered wildlife.
The documentary exposed child trafficking rings.
Trafficking counterfeit goods undermines the economy.