Whatever you do decide to trade/smuggle, be prepared to change your trade route. Don't get tied to one big profit run. You WILL be noticed. Be flexible and change it often. You can always come back to it later when the heat is off. Pirates and terrorists (or police/BH /military depending on cargo) will hit you just about anywhere they can so be aware of your cargo, relevant to your surroundings or just be aware of your surroundings.
Xoria had a point about pirating being the least profitable. They generally do it for a bit of fun. RP with them and get something from the experience.
When in the border systems, be aware of whose system you are in. Outcasts will 'persuade' you to take cardamine. They are generally 'terminally' persuasive. The profits can be very big however, as are the Corsairs and their artifacts.
Unless you are known in these types of border systems, I very much suggest you ask for permission to land. If you don't, some may take offence. That is also generally terminal.
Remember that this is an RP server and enjoy!