Crossword Genius

Firm punishment announced for Charlie (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cocaine

'for charlie' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'firm punishment announced' is the wordplay.
'firm' becomes 'co' (a firm is a company).
'punishment' becomes 'cane' (I've seen this before).
'announced' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'cane' sounds like 'caine'.
'co'+'caine'='COCAINE'

(Other definitions for cocaine that I've seen before include "Oceanic (anag) - drug" , "Addictive drug of oceanic origin" , "Charlie" , "Drug, crack" , "14 (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app