'Cm' and 'Ra': key when unmasking supplier of narcotics (8)
I believe the answer is:
mandrake
'supplier of narcotics' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.
'cm and ra key when unmasking' is the wordplay.
'MANDRAKE' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am uncertain how this is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for mandrake that I've seen before include "Plant once believed to shriek when pulled up" , "Poisonous plant or cartoon magician" , "Herbal root" , "Eurasian plant with purplish flowers" , "Exotic plant" .)