Crossword Genius

Criminal dares dope to get high (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

desperado

'criminal' is the definition.
(desperado can mean a criminal or outlaw)

'dares dope to get high' is the wordplay.
'to get high' indicates an anagram (I've seen 'gets high' mean this (high can mean drunk)).
'dares'+'dope'='daresdope'
'daresdope' with letters rearranged gives 'DESPERADO'.

(Other definitions for desperado that I've seen before include "reckless one" , "Reckless person" , "reckless type" , "Bandit, outlaw" , "Gangster" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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