Sneaking onto a planet at TL 10

[jason taylor]

We will assume you are mere tax-dodgers and not contraband smugglers because drugs and arms are to evil for most PCs unless the arms are for a Glorious Fight For Freedom or whatever.

Under this hypothesis:

The possession of the goods desired is not illegal.

Neither is the possession of the money exchanged for it.

Therefore what is illegal is conducting this exchange within the territory of the state which controls the planet without paying taxes.

Under this scenario the exchange can take place in a smuggler's camp in the outer worlds. They are still claimed by the offended state(otherwise it would not be smuggling). But the offended state hasn't the resources to do more then the most miniscule patroling.

Alternatively you dock in space and conduct the exchange.

Once the on-planet merchant who desires your goods has obtained them and paid for them he is safe. It is perfectly legal to possess the goods. He may need muscle to threaten his crew if there is a possibility of blackmail. And he may need a skilled launderer in case bookkeeping looks suspicious. But that is his problem. The traders are home free and can speed off to the next system with their illegal gains.