Crossword Genius

Unauthorised passenger in Sierra: confiscate vehicle! (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stowaway

'unauthorised passenger' is the definition.
(eg on a ship)

'sierra confiscate vehicle' is the wordplay.
'sierra' becomes 'S' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'confiscate vehicle' becomes 'tow away' (as in towing a vehicle away).
's'+'towaway'='STOWAWAY'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for stowaway that I've seen before include "One who takes a sea trip without paying" , "Ship's non-fare-paying passenger" , "Free rider" , "Non-paying passenger" , "Hider on board" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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