Smuggling

Smuggling denotes (1) the importation or exportation of prohibited goods, and (2) the defrauding the revenne by avoiding a duty levied upon the production or consumption of an article. In its ordinary use, the word is applied only to the former of these, and in these days of Free Trade the custom of smuggling has well-nigh died out, since the profit does not pay the risk. For smuggling the penalty is treble the value of the goods smuggled and a possible fine of £100. Any preventive or excise officer may go on board a ship and search it, and may search any waggon, cart, or other vehicle, and has also the right to search any person aboard of or leaving a ship, and any person obstructing him is liable to a fine of £100. An armed combination of persons for smuggling puposes constitutes a felony. The southern sea-board of_England, half a century ago, abounded in tales of smugglers, their haunts, their devices, and their occasional pitched battles with the preventive men. Tobacco and spirits are generally the objects now smuggled.