Complacent German catching large contrabandist (8)
I believe the answer is:
smuggler
'contrabandist' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'complacent german catching large' is the wordplay.
'complacent' becomes 'smug' (smug can mean complacent or self-satisfied).
'german' becomes 'ger' (abbreviation).
'catching' indicates putting letters inside.
'large' becomes 'L' (eg in clothes sizes).
'ger' going around 'l' is 'gler'.
'smug'+'gler'='SMUGGLER'
(Other definitions for smuggler that I've seen before include "One who imports or exports without paying duties" , "Illegal importer" , "Exciseman's foe" , "He tries to evade customs barriers" , "Runner" .)