TWO Clarendon cops are under investigations for allegedly taking a $500,000-bribe from two offenders to drop a charge of illegal possession of firearm.

Superintendent Daton Henry of the Professional Standards Branch (PSB) confirmed that the two policemen have been under investigations.

“Yes a report has been made to us and we are currently carrying out investigations into the allegations of corruption against the policemen,” Henry said.

Sources said that last in December last year the two policemen – corporal and a constable – were in Lionel Town, Clarendon when they stopped a car and, during a search, two illegal firearms were found in the vehicle. The two occupants were arrested and charged with illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

However, the policemen were allegedly offered $500,000 to drop the case.

A police source told the Observer that it is believed the money was paid over, but was not shared equally between the cops and the one who got less money complained to his superiors who initiated the probe into the allegations.

The PSB’s Henry said allegations are that after the arrest of the two men, contact was made with a policeman who was not connected with the case to get the arresting officers to tamper with the evidence. He said allegations are that it was during that time that the money was passed.

“We are far advanced with our investigations, but we have to collect two other statements then we will submit the file to the commissioner of police with our recommendations and he in turn will seek the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions on how to proceed with the matter,” Henry said. He said the investigations should be completed this week.

In the meantime, the police said the two accused, who were held by the police on gun charges, were in custody and would be appearing in court later this month.

-whytetk@jamaicaobserver.com