A Metropolitan Police officer from Essex has been dismissed from the force after an investigation into the wholesale movement of drugs and the laundering of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Pc Kashif Mahmood was dismissed without notice after being convicted of misconduct in public office and conspiracy to acquire criminal property, the Met said.

Between November last year and March this year the officer, in uniform and using a marked police car, worked with an associate who dressed as an officer to “seize significant amounts of cash” from couriers, the force said.

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

He pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court in August to misconduct as well as conspiracy to acquire criminal property and is due to be sentenced on December 22, police said.

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.”

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