Pubdate: Fri, 03 Jun 2005
Source: Peterborough This Week (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Peterborough This Week
Contact:  http://www.peterboroughthisweek.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1794
Author: Lance Anderson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?188 (Outlaw Bikers)

HUGE BITE TAKEN OUT OF DRUG TRADE

Two members of Hell's Angels, and one ex-member, were arrested
Thursday following a number of police raids in the Peterborough area
which police say have broken a massive drug network stretching all the
way to London, Ontario.

More than 100 OPP and Peterborough-Lakefield police officers met at
the Evinrude Centre at 4:30 a.m. Thursday to organize simultaneous
drug raids throughout Peterborough city and county as well as at other
locations in Ontario. In the end, 25 people, 20 from the local area,
were arrested and charged with numerous drug trafficking offences.

"The tentacles of organized crime are far-reaching," says Inspector
Don Bell of the OPP's Biker Enforcement Unit.

"There were two current members (of Hell's Angels) and an ex-member
arrested but all others fall into the network of Hell's Angels."

City police deputy chief Ken Jackman says normally with drug raids,
street-level dealers are caught. However, this time, he adds, police
were able to arrest those pulling the strings.

"This will have an impact on drug availability in the city...for how
long we don't know," says Deputy Chief Jackman.

Insp. Bell admits it's difficult to investigate Hell's Angels because
of its "sophistication."

"Through disclosure and education, (they learn) law enforcement
techniques and are able to adjust their activities," says Insp. Bell.

In total, 14 search warrants were executed in Peterborough and
Peterborough County as well as various Ontario locations. Items seized
during the course of the investigation included cocaine, ecstasy,
marijuana, oxycodone, steroids, Percocets and drug paraphernalia.
Approximately $50,000 cash was also seized. Those arrested include
current David Wayne Fretz, 43, of Peterborough, who police say is an
ex-Hell's Angels member.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin