trapikante
trapikánte with stress marks
smuggler; trafficker
Usage Note
Trapikante comes from Spanish 'traficante' and refers to someone who deals in illegal goods or people — drugs, contraband, or human trafficking. It is a strong pejorative used in news media, law enforcement, and political discourse in the Philippines.
Examples
" Nahuli ang trapikante. "
Natural Translation
The trafficker was caught.
Literal Translation
Caught the trafficker.
" Nahuli ng pulis ang trapikante. "
Natural Translation
The police caught the smuggler.
Literal Translation
Caught of police the smuggler.
" Matagal nang sinusubaybayan ng mga awtoridad ang trapikante bago siya nahuli sa isang malaking operasyon. "
Natural Translation
The authorities had been tracking the trafficker for a long time before he was caught in a major operation.
Literal Translation
Long-time already tracking of the authorities the trafficker before he was-caught in a big operation.
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