What does contraband refer to?

Contraband refers to anything that is illegal to possess, which encompasses a wide range of items and substances that are prohibited by law. This definition includes illegal drugs, stolen property, weapons, and any materials that are banned due to various legal statutes. The term is commonly used in law enforcement and legal contexts to identify goods that infringe upon the wishes of the law and are not allowed in a given jurisdiction.

Items used to commit a crime or objects obtained from a crime may indeed be considered contraband under specific circumstances; however, they are more narrowly defined compared to the broader category of all illegal possessions. Additionally, failing to perform lawful duties does not relate to contraband at all, as it pertains more to professional conduct or negligence rather than the legality of possessions. Therefore, the correct answer captures the essence of contraband accurately, emphasizing the overarching principle that it encompasses all illegal items regardless of their relation to a specific crime.