drug mule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drug mule" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person who smuggles illegal drugs, often by concealing them in their body or luggage. Example: "The authorities arrested a drug mule at the airport who was attempting to transport a large quantity of cocaine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

She's a drug mule.

Independent

The government's Pablo the drug mule campaign is very clever.

The Guardian

He even outed his cousin as his drug mule.

The Economist

He tried to save a suspected drug mule who had tumbled down a ravine.

The Guardian

Left to rot by my evil handler, like an Indonesian drug mule.

The Guardian - Music

Johansson plays the title character: a young woman forced into being a drug mule for the mob.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Besson and Johansson have been filming the drug-mule action thriller Lucy in the country's capital, Taipei.

The Guardian - Film

Her recent role as a panicky drug-mule turned reality-manipulating demigod in Lucy helped that rather slight Luc Besson movie make over $500m globally.

The Guardian - Film

American director Joshua Marston, whose 2004 drug-mule film Maria Full of Grace was disqualified for not being Colombian enough, is fast becoming martyr boy for having the wrong passport.

The Guardian - Film

Otherwise this had all the classic hallmarks of a British drug-mule nabbing.

Vice

A Depressing Guide to the Classic British Drug Mule Arrest.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drug mule" when you want to emphasize the exploitation or vulnerability of the individual involved in drug trafficking.

Common error

Avoid using "drug mule" when referring to someone who is simply a drug user. The term specifically implies the transportation of drugs for another party.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drug mule" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a person who transports illegal drugs, often concealing them on their body. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "drug mule" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an individual who transports illegal drugs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to be mindful of the term's implications and consider more neutral alternatives like "drug transporter" in certain formal contexts. When using the term, ensure it accurately reflects the individual's role as a transporter rather than simply a drug user. Avoiding broad usage ensures clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drug courier

Emphasizes the act of transporting drugs, similar to "drug mule".

narcotics smuggler

Focuses on smuggling illegal substances, broader than just drugs.

contraband carrier

Highlights the illegal nature of the transported goods.

illegal goods transporter

Highlights the illegal nature of the transported items.

unwitting carrier

Emphasizes that the person carrying drugs does so without knowing.

substance transporter

A more clinical and less common way of describing the act of transporting drugs.

smuggling operative

Focuses on the act of smuggling and the person carrying on such action.

human drug vehicle

Uses a metaphorical expression with a focus on the human involved.

package carrier

Minimizes the semantic content by focusing on the package and removing any indication about the transported goods.

trafficker

The term is broader and refers to someone involved in all the stages of the transport and marketing of illegal substances.

FAQs

What is the definition of "drug mule"?

A "drug mule" is a person who smuggles illegal drugs, often across borders, typically by concealing them on or inside their body or in their luggage.

What are some alternative terms for "drug mule"?

You can use alternatives such as "drug courier", "narcotics smuggler", or "contraband carrier" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "drug mule" in formal writing?

While "drug mule" is widely understood, in formal writing, consider using a more neutral term like "drug transporter" to maintain objectivity.

What is the difference between a "drug mule" and a "drug dealer"?

A "drug mule" primarily transports drugs, while a "drug dealer" is involved in selling and distributing drugs. They may or may not be the same person.