Illegal items such as prohibited weapons and counterfeit money are referred to as what?

The term "contraband" specifically refers to items that are illegal to possess, trade, or transport. This includes prohibited weapons, illegal drugs, counterfeit money, and any goods that violate laws or regulations. When law enforcement agencies, including the Chicago Police Department, encounter such items, they classify them as contraband. This designation signifies that these items are not only illegal but also are often associated with criminal activity.

In contrast, evidence refers to any material or information that can help prove or disprove a fact in a legal investigation or proceeding. While contraband can sometimes serve as evidence in a case, the two terms are not interchangeable.

The term "contradictions" does not relate to illegal items; instead, it refers to statements or beliefs that are in opposition to one another. Lastly, "indicators" typically refer to signs or signals that suggest the presence or likelihood of something, often used in traffic stops or other investigations, but they do not specifically denote illegal items.

Thus, "contraband" accurately captures the essence of illegal items, making it the correct choice for identifying prohibited weapons and counterfeit currency.