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