Questionnaire data from border crossers in the Pacific Northwest reveal that about one-half of the sample took “undeclared goods across an international border.” This study tests determinants of that smuggling behavior and demonstrates the effect of opportunity on law-breaking. More important, the effect of opportunity on behavior depends on subjective disposition toward smuggling, implying the causal ordering that orientation determines behavior. National customs policy, a variable indicating relative benefit from smuggling, also affects smuggling rates, with more Canadians than U.S. residents smuggling. Among subjective determinants, neutralization techniques do affect smuggling, but perceived risk of punishment does not. We concur with others that mala prohibita crimes are not easily deterrable.
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