This is the 4222nd most frequent Spanish word.
matute
"Matute" refers to smuggling or contraband.
Here, 'matute' refers to 'smuggling' or illicit goods being moved covertly.
El cargamento en matute fue descubierto en la aduana.
The smuggled cargo was discovered at customs.
In this context, 'matute' denotes the act of smuggling or transporting goods unlawfully.
Juan tenía unas ideas muy ingeniosas para pasar los productos en matute.
Juan had very ingenious ideas for smuggling the products.
'Matute' here is used in a more abstract way to refer to the illegal practice of smuggling.