Crossword Genius

Want conviction of third criminal possessing drug (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dither

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'want conviction' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'third criminal possessing drug' is the wordplay.
'criminal' is an anagram indicator.
'possessing' is an insertion indicator.
'drug' becomes 'e' (E is another name for ecstasy).
'third' with letters rearranged gives 'dithr'.
'dithr' placed around 'e' is 'DITHER'.

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dither that I've seen before include "Act in a nervously uncertain manner" , "Be indecisive, hesitate" , "State of high agitation" , "Be undecided and somewhat agitated" , "Remain undecided" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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