Pubdate: Mon, 23 Aug 2004
Source: Coquitlam Now, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004Lower Mainland Publishing Group, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thenownews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1340
Author: Angela MacKenzie
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?188 (Outlaw Bikers)

HELLS ANGELS STILL BIGGEST BIKER GANG

A report on organized crime says the Hells Angels - with 34 chapters across 
the country, including a clubhouse in Coquitlam - remain the largest biker 
gang in Canada.

The Criminal Intelligence Service Canada (CISC) released its 2004 report 
Friday.

The report states that outlaw motorcycle gangs, like the Hells Angels, 
"derive significant income from various criminal activities across the 
country such as prostitution, fraud and extortion. However, drug 
trafficking, particularly cocaine, marijuana and increasingly 
methamphetamine, remains the primary source of illicit income for organized 
motorcycle gangs."

The influence of the Hells Angels, the report continues, is growing in B.C. 
and Ontario, while declining in Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

"In some areas, the Hells Angels are facing increased competition from 
other organized crime groups, such as Asian-based networks."

Asian-based organized crime, the report states, is also considered "highly 
active" in the Lower Mainland.

Asian-based criminal groups in the Lower Mainland are involved in 
widespread multiple, residential marijuana grow operations as well as the 
importing and distribution of counterfeit tobacco and consumer goods, such 
as movies and music.

Asian-based crime groups are also involved in the trafficking of 
methamphetamine and "the smuggling/trafficking of people, particularly 
women from Southeast Asia, to Canada and the U.S."

The CISC is a partnership of 380 law enforcement agencies that works with 
government, academia and the private sector to develop strategies to combat 
organized and serious crime.
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