KINGSTON, Jamaica – Two serving members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and a 19-year-old man have been charged after they were reportedly held with a gun connected to a recent murder.

In a statement Friday, the police said what began as a firearms investigation later evolved into a murder probe spanning multiple divisions.

Reports are that on February 9, during an operation on Port Henderson Road in Portmore, officers intercepted a motor vehicle. A search reportedly led to the seizure of a Taurus 9mm pistol, ammunition and a sum of cash. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered an M16 rifle and additional ammunition.

READ: Cop among two arrested after M-16 seizure on Port Henderson Road

Police say ballistic and other investigative leads emerged over the course of the probe and 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 in the early hours of February 9.

Charged are constables Qwaine Blake, 21, and Daz Haynes, 25, both assigned to the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), along with Tyrone Dacosta, 19, of Greater Portmore, St Catherine.

The police say charges were laid based on the ruling of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

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.

Haynes has been charged with misprision of felony. Police say additional charges are being considered.

Dacosta has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition and dealing in firearms and ammunition.

The matter has been reported to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and the JCF’s Inspectorate of Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB).

Senior representatives of INDECOM were formally briefed during a meeting on February 19 by the JCF on the nature, scope and progression of the investigation. All relevant files and investigative materials were made available to the oversight body.

The JCF said it remains committed to ensuring that allegations involving its members are investigated thoroughly, professionally and without fear or favour.