Two policemen have been arrested and charged for allegedly accepting $20,000 from a businessman not to charge him in connection with a quantity of bleaching cream which was found at his business place, downtown Kingston.

Constables Javon Baker and Earl Hanifield are facing charges of breaching the Corruption Prevention Act and simple larceny.

They were arrested and charged following a ruling by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey granted them bail following an application by attorney-at-law Peter Champagnie who is representing them.

They are to return to the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on May 19.

It is alleged that on September 13 last year, the policemen received information that the businessman was selling bleaching cream in breach of the Pharmaceutical Act. They seized a quantity of bleaching cream from the business place and arrested the businessman. While they were taking him to the police station they allegedly accepted $20,000 from him and released him.

The businessman reported the matter to the police who searched the police vehicle and found the bleaching cream. Statements were submitted to the DPP who ruled that the policemen must be charged.