Operation controlled by thugs in suits from the outset ... and hats (5)
I believe the answer is:
topis
'hats' is the definition.
(topi is a kind of hat)
'operation controlled by thugs in suits from the outset' is the wordplay.
'operation' becomes 'op'.
'controlled by' indicates putting letters inside (some letters restrict or block in others).
'thugs in suits from the outset' becomes 'tis' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'op' inserted inside 'tis' is 'TOPIS'.
'and' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
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