LANCASHIRE Police have launched an investigation following the arrest of one of their officers in India.

PC Shabir Rehman Abdul Mubarak, who lives in Lostock Hall and works at Leyland Police Station, was arrested with four other men at Bombay Airport on Saturday, accused of trying to smuggle almost £1 million of 'superior quality' heroin out of the country.

Indian authorities alleged PC Mubarak tried to use his Lancashire Constabulary warrant card to get the drugs past officials. It is also alleged that PC Mubarak confessed to smuggling drugs from India for two years.

He will appear before Mumbai Court, Bombay, on Monday. He has been on sick leave from the force for almost a year after suffering a heart attack.

Police have confirmed that PC Mubarak is on sick leave, and is currently receiving a small allowance but no pay.

A spokesman said: "Whatever discredit is brought upon the individual, it should not deflect from the excellent achievements attained by all members of the Lancashire Constabulary in tackling crime and drug-related problems."

PC Mubarak was one of the founder members of the Black Police Federation, who have this week expressed their concern that he may not get a fair trial.

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