Crossword Genius

Tensed near Scots hooligan importing MDMA? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tightened

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

'near scots hooligan importing mdma?' is the wordplay.
'near' becomes 'tight' (I've seen this before).
'scots hooligan' becomes 'ned' (Scottish term for a hooligan).
'importing' is an insertion indicator.
'mdma?' becomes 'E' (MDMA is ecstasy, ie 'E').
'tight'+'ned'='tightned'
'tightned' enclosing 'e' is 'TIGHTENED'.

(Other definitions for tightened that I've seen before include "Made less relaxed" , "Tensed" , "Became more tense" , "screwed up?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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