The Region - News from Nov. 12, 1985

A loaded .38-caliber revolver, detected in carry-on luggage at Santa Barbara Airport, led authorities to packets of white powder taped to a man’s ankles and his arrest for investigation of possessing cocaine. Police said about a pound of cocaine valued at $20,000 was found on Ruben Edward Baker, 38, who was initially arrested for investigation of carrying a concealed weapon and later for investigation of possessing cocaine for sale. Officers said Baker was about to board a United Airlines flight to San Francisco when the gun turned up during an X-ray inspection. Baker told authorities that his wife must have packed the gun in his bag without his knowledge. Investigators said they searched Baker and found five envelopes bulging with white powder that tests proved to be cocaine.