Pubdate: Tue, 03 Oct 2006
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Keith Fraser, The Province
Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our 
editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who 
have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise 
public figures or officials

INFORMER'S HISTORY AS HELLS ANGELS ENFORCER WORRIED RCMP

A police handler for a man hired to infiltrate the Hells Angels 
admits he was concerned that Michael Plante's reputation as an 
enforcer could threaten the operation.

"That was a big challenge for him to overcome, given his past 
involvement with the [Hells Angels] targets," RCMP Insp. Gary 
Shinkaruk said in court yesterday.

The court has heard that Plante was involved in numerous drug-debt 
collections with members of the Hells Angels, actions that involved 
assaults, prior to becoming a police agent in April 2004.

Shinkaruk said he was concerned that Plante might simply be used by 
the bikers for his "muscle" and attempts were made to get him into 
more legitimate activities.

Noting Plante's "fairly limited" business skills and his prior 
history as a trafficker of steroids, police considered establishing a 
storefront business selling protein drinks and supplements, said Shinkaruk.

The officer's comments came under questioning by the lawyer of [Name 
redacted], one of two Hells Angels charged with methamphetamine trafficking.

Shinkaruk also testified that Plante believed that he was under 
24-hour surveillance by police and it caused him some stress.

[Name redacted] co-accused, full-patch Hells Angel member [Name 
redacted], is charged with possession of meth for the purposes of trafficking.

The trial continues today.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine