Pubdate: Sun, 25 Mar 2001
Source: Kenora Daily Miner and News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2001 Kenora Daily Miner and News
Contact:  P.O. Box 1620, Kenora, Ontario P9N 3X7 Canada
Fax: (807) 468-4318
Website: http://www.bowesnet.com/dailyminer/
Author: Melissa Ridgen

POLICE CONCERNED ABOUT INCREASED BIKER GANG ACTIVITY

Since the Hells Angels expanded into Winnipeg and Thunder Bay police in 
Kenora say they have seen a substantial increase in biker activity here.

Law enforcers aren't surprised as Kenora is the largest centre between 
Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, which are separated by an eight hour drive, and 
as the Hells Angels move full-speed ahead to capitalize on Ontario's drug 
trade they aren't about to ignore a lucrative and conveniently-located spot 
like Kenora.

Both the Kenora Police Service and the Kenora OPP say they're keeping close 
tabs on several individuals who have ties with bike gang members and make 
no effort to conceal their disdain for bikers, their enforcers and 
associates when they're in town either on business or for pleasure, making 
their stay as "uncomfortable" as the law allows.

While the OPP won't comment on the presence of bikers in Kenora, not even 
to say they're aware of the problem, Kenora Police Service Chief George 
Curtis is upfront about his force's involvement in monitoring the 
activities of undesirables who either live or visit here.

"At this point we don't know what their interest is, other than to control 
and monitor the drug trade here. There is nothing to indicate at this point 
they're looking to set up a clubhouse here," Curtis says.

Last July the Hells Angels patched-over Los Bravos members in Winnipeg and 
have set up camp in Thunder Bay.

National bike gang experts say the surge into Ontario is in response to 
their rivals dash;the Rock Machine's dash; expansion from Quebec into 
Toronto and Kingston. Seeing a huge drug market in Ontario that was run by 
smaller groups and knowing larger gangs may eventually expand, the Hells 
Angels decided to move in quick and take over.

And in most cases, police aren't sitting on their haunches watching.

On St. Patrick's Day in Thunder Bay, members of the Thunder Bay Police 
Service provincial special squad and tri-force drug unit accompanied a 
liquor inspector to the Paradise Island club for what they say was a 
'routine' liquor inspection of the club known to be frequented by bikers.

The officers had trouble getting into the intercity establishment as a 
doorman tried to block the door. He and another man who took exception to 
the police presence were arrested. One is described as being a Hells Angels 
member and the other has 'hang-around' status with the gang.

The day prior police launched a full-fledged assault on the outlaw 
motorcycle gang in Thunder Bay charging 14 people with 33 drug and weapons 
offences after storming a hangout.
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