Well, it does make sense that people can make money from short-distance transportation.
Not all transport is long-distance. Keeps things interesting.
EDIT:
Oh, and for the record, I don't use the route in question. In fact, I hate trading and only occasionally smuggle Artifacts. Thinking about getting into the Synth Marijuana business too, but my smuggler is Corsair tagged and friendly with TBH, so some routes may not be possible...