The world of drug dealing has its own language, a glossary of terms and slang that reflects the illicit nature of the trade. Understanding this terminology can help demystify the complex operations behind drug production and distribution. Here’s a comprehensive glossary of commonly used terms in the drug trade:
1. Cartel
A large-scale criminal organization involved in the production and distribution of drugs. Cartels control drug trafficking at both national and international levels, often using violence and corruption to maintain power.
2. Kingpin
The head of a drug cartel or large drug-trafficking organization. A kingpin is responsible for overseeing all aspects of drug production, distribution, and smuggling operations.
3. Mule
An individual who smuggles drugs across borders or into locations, often by hiding them in their luggage, body, or vehicles. Mules are typically paid to transport drugs but often face significant risks, including arrest or harm from traffickers.
4. Dealer
A person who sells drugs, usually in small quantities, to individual users. Dealers operate at the street level, but the term can apply to anyone involved in the distribution process.
5. Plug
Slang for a person who supplies drugs, usually a higher-up or reliable source for dealers to get their product. A plug connects the dealer to the main supply chain.
6. Trap House
A house or location where drugs are sold or produced. Trap houses are often in low-income areas and can be used by dealers to hide from law enforcement while conducting their business.
7. Pushers
A colloquial term for street-level drug dealers, especially those who actively “push” drugs to users or try to recruit new customers.
8. Connect
A supplier or intermediary who provides drugs to a dealer. A connect usually has ties to higher-level distributors or cartels.
9. Brick
A kilogram of drugs, most often referring to cocaine or heroin. The term “brick” comes from the way drugs are often packaged in solid, brick-like forms for transport and distribution.
10. Bundle
A collection of drug packets, often heroin, packaged together for sale. For example, a bundle might consist of 10 individual bags of heroin.
11. Key (Kilo)
Short for kilogram, often referring to a kilogram of cocaine, heroin, or other drugs. In the drug trade, a kilo is a standard unit of sale for large amounts of drugs.
12. Cut
An additive mixed with a drug to dilute it and increase the quantity that can be sold. Dealers “cut” drugs like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine with substances such as baking soda, talcum powder, or fentanyl.
13. Dime Bag
A small bag of drugs, usually marijuana or cocaine, worth $10. The size and price can vary depending on the drug and region.
14. Eight Ball
An eighth of an ounce (3.5 grams) of a drug, usually cocaine or methamphetamine.
15. Narco
Short for “narcotics dealer,” but also often used to refer to someone involved in large-scale drug trafficking. The term is commonly associated with members of drug cartels, particularly in Latin America.
16. Cook
To produce drugs, especially methamphetamine or crack cocaine, by chemically processing raw materials. The “cook” refers to the person or the act of making the drug.
17. Trap
A location where drugs are sold or where deals take place. This can refer to a street corner, building, or vehicle where drug sales are transacted.
18. Flipping
A term used when a dealer buys drugs in bulk and then sells smaller portions for a profit. “Flipping” involves purchasing at a low cost and selling at a higher price to maximize profits.
19. Front
When a dealer provides drugs to someone without requiring immediate payment, expecting to be paid after the drugs are sold. The dealer is “fronting” the product with trust that the money will be returned.
20. Runner
A low-level dealer or person who transports drugs between suppliers and buyers. Runners are often young people or those trying to work their way up in a drug operation.
21. Street Value
The price that a drug will sell for when sold directly to users. This is typically higher than wholesale prices due to the risk and smaller quantities involved.
22. Trap Queen
A term popularized in hip-hop culture, referring to a woman who is deeply involved in drug dealing, often alongside a male partner. She may help with managing the finances or distribution of drugs.
23. Stash
A hidden supply of drugs or money. Dealers or traffickers will often have “stash houses” where large quantities of drugs are kept to avoid detection.
24. Burn
When someone in the drug trade scams or cheats another dealer or user by selling them fake or heavily cut drugs. It can also refer to when a dealer is underpaid or deceived.
25. Plug Walk
Slang for a dealer or trafficker who is confident in their access to drugs and their ability to move them. It implies a certain swagger or confidence in their role.
26. Narco-Terrorism
A term used to describe the intersection of drug trafficking and terrorism. In some cases, terrorist groups fund their activities through the sale of drugs, and drug cartels may use terror tactics to maintain control.
27. Turf
The area or territory controlled by a drug dealer or gang where they sell drugs. Competition over turf often leads to violence between rival gangs or dealers.
28. Bagman
A person who collects or transports money for drug deals. A bagman typically moves cash between dealers, suppliers, or other criminal entities to avoid direct involvement by higher-level figures.
29. Distribution Network
The system of individuals, transport methods, and routes used to move drugs from producers to consumers. This can include everything from local street dealers to international trafficking organizations.
30. Shipment
A large quantity of drugs being transported from one location to another, usually across borders or over long distances. Shipments are often hidden in vehicles, shipping containers, or other cargo to evade law enforcement.
Conclusion
The world of drug dealing is a complicated and risky enterprise, and the language used by dealers reflects the dangerous and secretive nature of the trade. These terms represent the various roles, transactions, and operations that keep the drug market running, from street-level hustlers to the international networks that produce and transport drugs worldwide.
Understanding this terminology can provide deeper insight into how the drug trade operates and the various risks involved for everyone in the chain—from the producers and traffickers to the end users.
