Pubdate: Fri, 22 Jul 2005
Source: Victoria News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Victoria News
Contact:  http://www.vicnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1267
Author: Mark Browne
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?188 (Outlaw Bikers)

ORGANIZED CRIME EXTENDS REACH TO VICTORIA DRUG SCENE

While the Hells Angels don't operate a chapter in Greater Victoria 
their influence can still be felt in the area, according to one 
high-ranking police officer.

Members of the rogue motorcycle gang were recently charged in 
relation to the drug trade in B.C. It's not a stretch to say a 
substantial quantity of those drugs are making their way to the 
Capital Region, said Victoria police Deputy Chief Geoff Varley.

I think vicariously (the Hells Angels) are obviously connected to our 
drug trade," he said.

Varley's comments come in the wake of the arrests of 19 people, 
including seven full-patched members of the Hells Angels, over the 
past week for a variety of offences, including drug trafficking, 
extortion and possession of explosives. The arrests came following a 
23-month investigation when Vancouver police and the RCMP raided the 
clubhouse belonging to the Hells Angels' East End chapter and another 
clubhouse belonging to a fledgling chapter in Kelowna.

During the raids police seized more than 20 kilograms of crystal 
methamphetamine; more than 20 kg of cocaine; more than 70 kg of 
marijuana; more than $200,000 in Canadian currency; 250 kg of 
methylamine - used for concocting ecstasy - and a variety of weapons 
and explosives.

As well, the arrests mark the first time members of the Hells Angels 
in B.C. have been charged with committing crimes for the benefit of a 
criminal organization.

I think that type of news is actually very good news. Anyone who is 
part of a criminal organization in this province should be dealt with 
to the full extent of the law," Varley said.
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