Smuggling of goods is one of the most important economic and social challenges in the border regions of Iran, the consequences of which also affect the social capital of local communities. Due to its geographical and border location, Delvar Port in Bushehr Province has always faced the phenomenon of smuggling of goods, and in the meantime, maintaining social capital as a support for sustainable development has gained additional importance. This research addresses the question of how to maintain the social capital of the local community in the process of combating smuggling of goods in Delvar Port? The aim of the research is to identify solutions to combat smuggling of goods without harming trust, participation, and social cohesion among the people of the region. The research method is qualitative and case study type, and data was collected through semi-structured interviews with local activists, executive officials, and elites of Delvar Port. The research findings show that involving people in policymaking, strengthening the role of local organizations, and providing legitimate economic alternatives play an effective role in maintaining social capital in the process of combating smuggling. The results of the research indicate that a purely security-based approach to the phenomenon of trafficking leads to the weakening of social capital, while a participatory and cultural approach, while reducing the tendency towards trafficking, also strengthens social capital.