This work proposes a stepped frequency continuous wave radar, operating in the L frequency band (1-2GHz), for smuggling contrast. In particular the proposed radar is able to provide informations relates to the container contents and the presence of false bottoms speeding up the control operations at borders and ports. Radar resolution is improved by using suitable numerical post processing method such as the MUSIC algorithm. Results, obtained considering realistic operative scenarios, demonstrated the potentialities of this system as effective tool for smuggling contrast.