Pubdate: Fri, 09 Sep 2005
Source: Prince George Free Press (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 BC Newspaper Group
Contact:  http://www.pgfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2135
Author: Arthur Williams

COPS WAGING 'CONSTANT BATTLE' AGAINST CREW

Drugs, violence and organized crime are a reality in Prince George as in 
many cities.

The recent arrest of Scott Payne, 23, and Alia Pierini, 20, - both known 
members of The Crew, a gang with ties to the Hell's Angels -is just a 
recent example of the "constant battle" between Prince George RCMP and 
organized crime, RCMP spokesman Cst. Mike Caira said.

Payne and Pierini were both arrested on Sept. 4 and charged with aggravated 
assault. The pair allegedly assaulted a person because of outstanding drug 
debts.

"It's really in the last year we've really decided to name names," Caira 
said. "We're trying to show the public that a lot of crime is involved in 
gangs. We're saying to people, 'This is organized crime and these are the 
players.'"

In the past, police avoided connecting individual crimes to organized crime 
gangs, he said.

In Prince George The Crew and the Renegades, both linked directly to the 
Hell's Angels, are the main players in organized crime, Caira said. New 
gangs and smaller players have been pushed out of the city, he added.

"One deals in marijuana and the other deals in hard drugs," he said. "They 
don't work together but they operate in different spheres."

In addition, both organizations are involved in prostitution, theft, drug 
production and export, and other crime, he said. In addition, they 
contribute to crime indirectly through drug addicts.

"They have feelers everywhere," Caira said. "It's all linked."

Public support and information is important to police efforts to combat 
organized crime, he added, and urged anyone who has seen, heard or smelt 
anything suspicious to call the RCMP at 561-3300 or Crimestoppers at 
1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman