Crossword Genius

Drugs cartel rotten, end conversation (4,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ring off

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'drugs cartel rotten end conversation' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'drugs cartel rotten' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'cartel' could be 'ring' (both can mean a criminal group) and 'ring' is located in the answer.
'rotten' could be 'off' (rotten food is 'off') and 'off' is found within the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ring off that I've seen before include "Terminate a call" , "sign engagement's terminated?" , "End a phone call" , "Christian --, fashion designer" , "Hang up" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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