A man with a £1.5 million property empire has pleaded guilty to supplying drugs and money laundering, revealed the Metropolitan Police. Richard Baxter was identified as a key figure in a gang involved in smuggling hundreds of kilos of cocaine and heroin into the UK, followed by laundering money through various companies.
The 50-year-old defendant, with no fixed address, admitted guilt to conspiracy charges including supplying heroin, supplying cocaine, and transferring criminal proceeds at Kingston Crown Court. He is currently in police custody awaiting sentencing scheduled on December 5.
The discovery of Baxter’s extensive property portfolio, spanning across Surrey and south-east England, including a holiday chalet, was made during a specialized investigation into criminal networks in London. Spanish authorities apprehended Baxter in Valencia, leading to his extradition back to the UK.
Detective Constable David Lawn, who spearheaded the investigation, stressed the Metropolitan Police’s unwavering commitment to combat illegal drug trade, ensuring public safety. Lawn emphasised the zero-tolerance stance against criminal activities and the deployment of specialist resources to tackle drug-related crime in London.
The successful conviction of Baxter sends a clear message to individuals seeking to profit from illicit drug trading that they will be held accountable for their actions in a court of law. The Metropolitan Police aims to make the capital a safer place by combating drug criminality and ensuring accountability within the legal system.