Crossword Genius

Carry drug left by groups in collusion (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cartel

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'groups in collusion' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.

'carry drug left' is the wordplay.
'carry' becomes 'cart' (carting is a kind of carrying).
'drug' becomes 'e' (e is another name for ecstasy).
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'cart'+'e'+'l'='CARTEL'

'by' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cartel that I've seen before include "Protective trade group for claret" , "Price-fixing association" , "Market-controlling arrangement" , "Business group" , "Claret (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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