Smuggler / Legends A smuggler , also known by the euphemism free trader , was someone who engaged in the clandestine shipment of goods or people to prevent taxation or some other impediment . The goods shipped were often highly illegal or banned in some sectors . 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 . Smuggled goods . By far the most commonly smuggled substances were varieties of spice . Although most kinds of spice were psychoactive drugs , and most forms were illegal under the Empire , the government ' s main concern was not to stem the flow of spice , but to collect taxes from its shipment and distribution through legitimate channels . Weapons were another commonly smuggled commodity within the Empire , whose bureaucracy strictly controlled weapons availability in order to prevent criminals and insurgents , in particular the Rebel Alliance , from becoming significant threats . Other cargo for smugglers included chak - root , stolen merchandise , and even clear water ( smuggled to Rampa II ) . In extreme situations , smugglers delivered standard resources or food ; for example , on Abregado - rae , smugglers supplied Separatists after a new regime stopped all food transports to the Separatists in the mountains in hopes of stamping out opposition . Some smugglers , such as Mirax Terrik , specialized in finding rare and sometimes illegal goods or artifacts and delivering them to their clients who hoped to avoid using " official means . " In addition , sometimes live droids were smuggled through areas such as transport terminals , including that of the space station belonging to the Star Tours interstellar travel agency , with success largely because of G2 - 9T , the security droid responsible for baggage checks , being incompetent at his job . Stance . A common stereotype in the galaxy was that smugglers were usually Corellian , and indeed , there were no shortages of Corellian smugglers , but smuggling was carried out by various freight carriers and criminal organizations of all species and planetary origins . Even members of the Imperial bureaucracy and military establishment had their own smuggling organizations , while other smugglers ( such as Prince Xizor of Black Sun ) were important players in legitimate galactic business . Fringe elements like the Black Sun established large networks dedicated to evading Imperial forces within the galaxy . Another set of major players in illegal trade were the Hutt Kajidics , vast criminal organizations based around the clan structure of the Hutts . The Hutts controlled a region of the galaxy in the Mid and Outer Rim which maintained independence from the Galactic Republic , and later great autonomy within the Empire ; this allowed them to recruit pilots and buy ships for use in smuggling with a minimum of scrutiny , while possessing safe locations for their pilots to use . Some planets were controlled by the Hutts but nominally within the Imperial sphere of influence , such as Tatooine , which provided excellent locations to secretly funnel shipments , pilots , and supplies into Imperial space without arousing suspicion . Common problems for smugglers . Smugglers had to worry about attacks from pirates and opportunists who would attempt to steal their cargo , meaning that smugglers needed to avoid some of the most lawless star systems to remain safe . Also , because they were smuggling contraband , they had no hope of help from Imperial / Republic forces and could not seek the protection of the galactic authorities . Most smugglers developed keen skills to avoid trouble , and they modified their ships not only for better cargo capacity , but also for greater speed and defenses . In order to evade Imperial patrols , smugglers often used smaller and less well - known routes that skirted Imperial strong points within the galaxy . There were many of these smuggling routes , and every smuggler usually had his or her preferred ways of getting from place to place safely . Despite their precautions , many smugglers ended their career on prison worlds such as Kessel or Akrit ' tar . Many smugglers were also killed during their runs — some even committed suicide to avoid being arrested and sentenced . Behind the scenes . The smuggler is one of the classes for the Galactic Republic in the video game " " .