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. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart