Crossword Genius

Overheard one of two church administrators possibly supplying opiate (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

codeine

'opiate' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for codeine that I've seen before include "Common opium-based tablet used to relieve pain" , "Mild narcotic used as a pain-killer" , "Painkiller derived from opium" , "Niece, do take this drug" , "An anodyne" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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