A police officer has been dismissed for his involvement in the wholesale movement of drugs and the laundering of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

PC Kashif Mahmood, from Harlow, was in uniform and used a marked police car to “seize significant amounts of cash” from couriers between November last year and March this year, Met Police said.

He was also working with another person, who was dressed as an officer.

The cash was due to be laundered or had been provided to the couriers as payment for drugs, the force added.

Mahmood was dismissed without notice after being convicted of misconduct in public office and conspiracy to acquire criminal property.

He pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court in August and is due to be sentenced on December 22.

A misconduct hearing on Thursday found proven allegations that his conduct amounted to a breach of the standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct, honesty and integrity and duties and responsibilities.

Commander Paul Betts, directorate of professional standards at the Met, said: “This is a very serious matter and there is absolutely no place for corruption within the Metropolitan Police Service.

“Following his conviction at court it is entirely right PC Mahmood has been dismissed and he will also be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list.”

Mahmood was convicted with five other people for a number of offences following an investigation by the directorate of professional standards’ anti-corruption command.