Which of the following is listed as a typical characteristic of drug smugglers?

• A. Appears nervous upon contact with officer
• B. Always travels with oversized luggage
• C. Uses public transportation
• D. Wears loud clothing

Answer: (A)

Behavioral cues when interacting with officers are a key focus in spotting potential illicit activity. Appearing nervous during contact with an officer is a common sign that someone is uncomfortable with the interaction and may be trying to conceal something, which aligns with typical training on drug smuggling indicators. This makes it a stronger, more consistent flag than the other options, which can occur for many non-contraband reasons—for example, luggage size can vary for many legitimate travelers, using public transportation isn’t itself suspicious, and clothing style isn’t a reliable indicator of illegal activity.