Inklingo

How to Say "drug dealer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

camello

/kah-MEH-yoh//kaˈmeʝo/

nounB2informal
Use 'camello' when referring to a street-level dealer selling illegal drugs, often in a specific neighborhood.
A mysterious figure in a dark hooded jacket handing a small package to another person in a dim alleyway.

Examples

La policía detuvo al camello del barrio.

The police arrested the neighborhood drug dealer.

traficante

trah-fee-KAHN-teh/tɾafiˈkante/

nounB2
Use 'traficante' for someone involved in the trafficking of drugs, which often implies a larger scale or more organized operation than a 'camello'. It can also be used for other types of trafficking.
A cautious figure in a dark trench coat stands next to a large brown sack, suggesting the secret movement of goods for illegal trade.

Examples

Capturaron al traficante de armas en la frontera sur.

They captured the arms trafficker on the southern border.

La traficante de personas fue condenada a muchos años de prisión.

The human trafficker was sentenced to many years in prison.

El gobierno está luchando contra los traficantes de drogas.

The government is fighting against the drug dealers/traffickers.

Gender Neutrality

Since 'traficante' ends in -e, it is gender-neutral. The only thing that changes when referring to a man or a woman is the article before it: 'el traficante' (the male trafficker) or 'la traficante' (the female trafficker).

Using 'traficante' for traffic lights

Mistake: “Using 'traficante' to mean 'traffic light' or 'traffic controller'.”

Correction: The correct words for traffic light are 'semáforo' or 'luz de tráfico'. 'Traficante' refers only to someone who trades or deals.

Camello vs. Traficante

Learners often confuse 'camello' and 'traficante'. Remember that 'camello' specifically refers to a street-level drug dealer, while 'traficante' is broader and can mean a larger-scale drug trafficker or even someone trafficking other illegal goods.

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