Haulier convicted of drug smuggling
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by Kathy Watson • Ipswich haulier Peter Baker was convicted of smuggling cannabis last week following an undercover investigation by Customs and Excise lasting more than a year.
Baker, who duped his innocent drivers into carrying the drugs for him, was charged along with six others with a number of offences covering the importation of drugs.
Customs officials first became suspicious because the firm, White Rose Transport, based at Tovell's Wharf, New Cut West, Ipswich was recording large profits without appearing to be very busy.
They mounted an undercover surveillance operation and discovered that his drivers were unwitting accomplices to the crime. After driving their trucks abroad they were lured away from them by Baker's accom plices with the offer of meals. During their absence the gang loaded drugs into secret compartments, including the aerofoils.
The breakthrough came after one driver stumbled r, on the secret: Baker: tricked drivers into soon after carrying drugs on trucks. this, he was caught by Customs officials with a package of cannabis. In return for immunity from prosecution, another driver agreed to cooperate with Customs in securing a conviction and was wired for sound so that he could attend meetings of the gang.
The tapes of his meetings were used to convict Baker and his accomplices. Baker was convicted on charges of illegally importing 32.7kg of herbal cannabis into Ipswich in January 1992 and procuring the importation of drugs. He had denied both charges.
He will be sentenced on 8 July.