Richard Baxter, a man who built up a £1.5m property empire, has pleaded guilty to supplying drugs and money laundering. The 50-year-old pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin, conspiracy to supply cocaine, and conspiracy to transfer criminal property at Kingston Crown Court. Baxter had four properties in south-east England, including a house in Surrey and a holiday chalet. He was arrested as part of an investigation into criminal gangs operating in London.
Baxter was one of the key figures in the gang smuggling hundreds of kilos of cocaine and heroin, according to the Met. His conviction follows his arrest in Valencia by Spanish police and extradition back to the UK. Baxter, who has no fixed address, was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at the same court on 5 December.
Detective Constable David Lawn, who led the investigation, said the force was committed to combat the sale of dangerous and illegal drugs which pose a threat to the public. He added that the Met was deploying specialist resources to tackle drug criminality and make the capital a safer place to live. “Baxter’s conviction sends out a strong message to those who seek to profit from illegal drug trade: you will be held accountable for your actions in front of the court,” Lawn said.
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