If part of an organized ring I wonder how well acting as a dedicated decoy would pay off strategically.

Deliberately "cry wolf" with legitimate but shady looking shipments while other members carry out business. Of course that would make them and the organization lose their illegitimate income and the police likely outnumber them in particular even if there may be more smugglers total.

Of course long term thinking and crime for profit don't usually go together - quick gains and jackpots are the temptations in the first place.