To transport someone or something across some border or past a person or organization who monitors such a border in a surreptitious or hidden manner, especially when it is illegal to do so. A: "I really miss the fresh salami they make back home, but I can't bring it through customs with me." B: "I'll try to smuggle some past customs for you the next time I come to visit." They had been smuggling drugs past the border patrol by hiding them inside of tubs of ice cream.