Drug dealer who amassed £1.5m property empire pleads guilty to crimes after Met Police investigation

50-year-old Richard Baxter was arrested in August by police in Valencia, Spain, and was extradited back to the UK to be remanded in custody. He was charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine, as well as conspiracy to transfer criminal property - cash.

While investigating his criminal activity, the Metropolitan Police found 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. He was also the owner of a property empire, with four properties and a holiday chalet spread across the south east of England, totalling a value of roughly £1.5m.

Appearing at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, October 18, Baxter, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the above charges. His properties have all been seized by Met Police as part of their 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 in custody and will be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, December 5.