"They might have someone working for them at one of the checkpoints; or they're tapping into the comm frequencies. It's the only way to know when traders are passing through and what the cargo is." That answers part of Anakin's locals-comment.

"And you are correct. They could have another ship waiting for a signal to jump in, take the cargo, and then destroy the ship. But why destroy a ship when you can use it for parts, shelter, or storage?" Because a lot of cargo ships have specialty holds meant specially for whatever it is they're carrying.

"And as for not searching us, how would anyone know to start bringing weapons to fight off pirates? Taris has been keeping this under tights wraps, lest the wrong people try to exploit the situation, and no one's returned to tell their story."