Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who controls an organization dealing in illegal drugs: A "drug lord" is a powerful individual who leads and manages a large-scale criminal enterprise involved in the production, distribution, and sale of illegal narcotics. This term implies significant authority, wealth, and influence within the illicit drug trade.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The authorities finally captured the notorious drug lord after a decade-long investigation.
  • The film depicts the rise and fall of a powerful Colombian drug lord.

Advanced Usage

• "To be a drug lord": To hold the position of controlling a major illegal drug operation.
  • He amassed a fortune and became a drug lord, controlling the supply for the entire region.

Variants and Related Words

• Drug kingpin (n): A synonym for "drug lord," emphasizing a central, controlling figure in a drug trafficking network.

  • The kingpin was arrested in a coordinated international raid.

• Narcotics trafficker (n): A person involved in the illegal trade of drugs. This is a broader term that can include lower-level operatives, not necessarily the leader.

  • The trafficker was caught smuggling heroin across the border.

Synonyms

• Drug baron: A term with similar meaning, often used in British English.
• Cartel leader: Specifically refers to the head of a large, organized drug cartel.

Related Phrases

• Drug cartel (n): The large, powerful organization itself that is controlled by a drug lord.

  • The drug cartel was responsible for widespread violence in the area.

• Drug empire (n): The vast network and business operations controlled by a drug lord.

  • He built a drug empire that spanned multiple continents.

Noun

1. a person who controls an organization dealing in illegal drugs