Corrupt Nelson policeman who led double life is jailed

Salim Razaq, who was stationed in Nelson until he was suspended following his arrest in the spring, was labelled a “criminal in police uniform” by former colleagues for his role in a major drug dealing and money laundering gang.

Razaq was caught when he plotted to help his brother Hafiz, known as “The Enforcer” and “Big Haf”, escape prosecution for his role in a violent turf war between drugs gangs in Preston, Liverpool Crown Court heard.

He pleaded guilty last month to two charges of perverting the course of justice, three charges of possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and money laundering by conspiracy to transfer criminal property and conspiracy to acquire or retain criminal property.

He also previously pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office by wrongfully “browsing” through Lancashire Police’s Sleuth computer database to obtain information about family and acquaintances.

Passing sentence on Tuesday, Judge Henry Globe told the disgraced officer: “The offending took place over an extended period of time.

“It amounts to a breach of trust, a dereliction of duty and it amounts to extremely serious and persistent criminal offending while ostensibly, supposedly upholding criminal justice in your capacity as a serving police officer.

“Your actions have brought potential discredit to the police force. It would have made the tasks of other officers more difficult.

“In particular, I make reference to the gravity of your offending in relation to the firearms offences.

“It cannot be exaggerated that the guns you knowingly had in your possession were three sub machine guns with many rounds of live ammunition to be used with them.

“There was no conceivable, lawful or justifiable purpose that anyone could have had to have them in their possession.

“The guns were being kept by you to return to gangs who kill, maim, intimidate and terrorise.

“Those who provide a safe hiding place for weapons and ammunition make a significant and distinctive contribution to the use of firearms on the streets and elsewhere.

“A significant and lengthy sentence is justified.”

Shaven-headed Razaq, dressed in a navy blue suit and grey tie, showed no emotion as he was escorted down the cells to begin his jail term.

Razaq was jailed for eight years for the firearms offences and three and a half years for the other offences.

Two members of his family also admitted offences. His mother, Gulshan Razaq (58) and his brother Hafiz Razaq (25) both admitted perverting the course of justice. Hafiz Razaq also admitted money laundering.

Gulshan Razaq was sentenced to 44 weeks in prison suspended for two years, and Hafiz Razaq was sentenced to three and a half years to run consecutively to a sentence he is already serving for a conspiracy to kidnap offence.

Three others also admitted offences. Jason Lawrenson (26) and Daniel Cookson (25) admitted money laundering. Louis Bamber (22) admitted possession of a firearm.

Lawrenson was jailed for two years and eight months, Cookson for 16 months and Bamber for 18 months.

Assistant Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary, Andy Cooke said: “I am pleased with today’s sentences which reflect the gravity of the offences.

“I’d like to reaffirm both our commitment to tackling serious and organised crime and to taking robust action against any officers or staff that fail to maintain the high standards of professional behaviour and integrity which the vast majority adhere to.”