Pubdate: Wed, 24 Aug 2005
Source: Campbell River Mirror (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Campbell River Mirror
Contact:  http://www.campbellrivermirror.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1380
Author: Paul Rudan
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?188 (Outlaw Bikers)

BIKE GANG INFILTRATES DRUG TRADE

An "outlaw motorcycle gang" is using threats, intimidation and
violence to gain control of the local drug trade, according to police.

"A criminal operation is trying to exert their influence to try and
take over the drug trade. They see an opportunity to make more money,"
said RCMP Insp. Larry Stright.

The Hells Angels have been targeted by police across B.C. but the head
of the Campbell River RCMP detachment wouldn't reveal the name of the
motorcycle gang operating locally.

"No, I won't put a name to it other than it's a motorcycle gang
affiliation," Insp. Stright said Monday.

This is the first time a criminal organization has been directly
linked by RCMP to the drug trade in Campbell River. News of a
motorcycle gang trying to take control over the illicit trade of
heroin, cocaine and other street drugs was first revealed in a police
report to city council on July 28.

"Up to approximately one year ago, local drug traffickers amounted to
a group of individuals who had to ties to outside criminal
organizations but essentially operated as independent dealers.
Ownership of territories was of no concern and violence was considered
to be on the moderate level," Insp. Stright wrote in his quarterly
report to council. "Slightly over a year ago, however, the presence of
an outside criminal element emerged in our community. This group...had
the objective of forcing local drug dealers out of business or having
them join their network. This objective has been achieved through
threats, intimidation and violence. This violence has also been
carried over into the drug collection arena."

Insp. Stright added that some local officers are investigating the
link to organized crime and the detachment is working in conjunction
with the RCMP's provincial criminal intelligence officers.

He wouldn't say if any bikers have been arrested on drug or assault
charges, but it was necessary to make local people aware of the situation.

"It's important to make the community and council aware that we're not
dealing with small players in the drug trade," he told the Mirror.
Mayor Lynn Nash was unaware of the motorcycle gang link before reading
the RCMP report but he is well aware of Campbell River's drug problem.

"We don't seem to have a crystal meth problem, not yet," he said.
"Cocaine is the drug of choice, particularly in a resource-based
economy where you have a lot of young, highly-paid workers with
expendable incomes and, to be honest, highly-paid, skilled
professionals."

A cocaine problem, he added, is usually endemic of communities with a
strong economy, not depressed regions where people cannot afford to
buy street drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin