Drug dealer with £1.5 million property empire convicted after Met Police investigation
Richard Baxter, 50, of no fixed abode, will be sentenced in December
Last updated 19th Oct 2024
A man with a multimillion pound property empire across the south-east has been convicted for supplying drugs and money laundering following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Richard Baxter, 50, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Heroin, conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to transfer criminal property - cash at Kingston Crown Court on Friday.
In August 2024, Spanish police arrested Baxter in Valencia and he was extradited back to the UK to be remanded in custody.
Specialist officers investigating criminal gangs operating in London discovered that Baxter was one of the key figures of a group smuggling hundreds of kilos of cocaine and heroin, before laundering money through various companies.
As part of their investigation, officers discovered Baxter owned a home in Surrey, with a property empire across the south-east of England. All four properties and a holiday chalet with a total approximate value of £1.5m of houses have been seized as part of the investigation.
Detective Constable David Lawn, who led the investigation, said: “We have zero-tolerance for anyone who engages in criminal activities and are committed to combat the sale of dangerous and illegal drugs which pose a threat to the public.
“The Met are 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.”
Baxter has been remanded for sentencing at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, 5 December.