A police constable is among five persons arrested and charged by the Police Flying Squad in connection with the theft of approximately $50 million worth of gold bars from a businessman in downtown Kingston last year.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force identified the lawman as Dane Grant. He along with Jerome Simpson, Trevor Hunter and Sheldon Allen have been charged with:

* Illegal possession of firearm, contrary to section 20 (1) of the Firearms Act;

* Robbery with aggravation, contrary to section 37 (1) of the Larceny Act;

* Shooting with intent, contrary to section 20 of the Offences against the Person Act; and

* Conspiracy to rob contrary to Common Law.

The fifth person, Maurice Morris, is charged for the offence of Misprision of Felony contrary to the Common Law, which relates to a person well knowing that a felony has been committed unlawfully, conceals the commission of the said felony.

Head of the Flying Squad, Senior Superintendent Cornwall 'Bigga' Ford explained that one of the robbers was shot and killed while another was shot and injured during the robbery.

The injured man was later caught by the police and is among those charged.

"This is a very challenging case involving many different leads; yet, we were able to investigate and make the arrests. The Police Constable was taken to Court yesterday where he was remanded in custody," SSP Ford said.

"I would like to publicly praise the team from the Flying Squad, the National Intelligence Bureau, the Organised Crime Investigation Division and the Kingston Central Police for the good work done thus far," Ford said.

The matter is still under active investigation.