By Nakinskie Robinson
Two serving members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and a 19 year-old man have been charged following an investigation that began as a firearms probe and later developed into a murder case spanning several police divisions.
The charges were laid after a ruling by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Detectives submitted a detailed case file based on operations carried out on February 9 and 10.
Those charged are 21 year old Constable Qwaine Blake, and 25 year old Constable Daz Haynes, both assigned to the Public Safety & Traffic Enforcement Branch, along with 19 year-old Tyrone Dacosta, of Greater Portmore, St Catherine.
Constable Blake has been charged with Murder, Conspiracy to Murder, Using a Firearm to Commit a Felony, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Unauthorised Possession of Ammunition, Stockpiling Ammunition, Dealing in Firearms and Ammunition, and Possession of Criminal
Property. He also faces several breaches of the Road Traffic Act.
Constable Haynes has been charged with Misprision of Felony.
Police say additional charges are being considered.
Mr Dacosta has been charged with Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Unauthorised Possession of Ammunition and Dealing in Firearms and Ammunition.
It was reported that on February 9, during an operation along Port Henderson Road in Portmore, officers intercepted a motor vehicle.
Searches reportedly led to the seizure of a Taurus 9 millimetre pistol, ammunition and a sum of cash and an M16 rifle.
Detectives say, what began as a firearms and prohibited weapons investigation, took a significant turn as ballistic and other investigative leads emerged.
During the course of the probe, investigators determined that the firearms and individuals were linked to the shooting death of 59 year-old businessman Garfield Singh at his home in Boscobel on February 9.
The authorities say evidence was compiled and submitted to the DPP who ruled on February 19, that multiple charges be laid against the three men.
The matter has been reported to the Independent Commission of Investigations and the JCF’s Inspectorate of Professional Standards Oversight Bureau.
Radio Jamaica News reported on Friday that INDECOM had written to Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss what its says is the agency not being informed about an investigation of two members of the force, suspected of being involved in criminal activities
But the JCF countered that at no point did it intend to isolate the Commission from the investigation.
It said senior representatives of INDECOM were formally briefed during a meeting on Friday by the JCF on the nature, scope and progression of the investigation and all relevant files and investigative materials were made available.