Pubdate: Fri, 29 Sep 2006
Source: Etobicoke Guardian (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 Etobicoke Guardian
Contact:  http://www.insidetoronto.ca/to/etobicoke/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2218
Author: Andrew Palamarchuk
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

DOZENS ARRESTED IN HELLS ANGELS CRACKDOWN

Etobicoke Gym Raided In Joint-Forces Investigation

Police say they infiltrated the Hells Angels with the help of one of 
its own members during an 18-month investigation into the motorcycle 
gang that ended Thursday with a series of raids, including one at a 
south Etobicoke gym.

OPP Det. Supt. Don Bell said the joint-forces investigation led to 27 
arrests and the seizure of drugs, weapons, vehicles and money. 
"Charges were laid relating to trafficking of illegal drugs, weapons, 
violence and criminal organization offences. Drugs seized included 
cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy and marijuana," Bell told reporters 
during a news conference Friday. "This investigation has demonstrated 
that without a doubt organized crime groups are involved in the 
methamphetamine trade. This would include the Hells Angels."

The investigation, dubbed Project Tandem, involved 500 officers from 
11 police forces. Fifteen Hells Angels members and a Toronto Vagabond 
member were among those arrested.

Bell alleged the Vagabond gang has 40 members and has "close ties to 
traditional organized crime."

Police have laid more than 100 charges.

Investigators from the OPP's criminal investigation branch and 
Project Tandem have also charged 29-year-old [Name redacted]with 
counselling to commit murder and breach of recognizance in connection 
with the alleged murder plot of a Peterborough resident. In addition, 
investigators charged [Name redacted], 44, and [Name redacted], 43, 
with conspiracy to commit murder and criminal organization offences 
in an alleged murder plot in Maple.

"The significance of this investigation is that we've utilized a 
Hells Angels member to infiltrate this criminal group," Bell said. 
"We took on members that are very high up in the hierarchy. This will 
have a significant impact on disrupting the criminal activities of 
the Hells Angels in Ontario."

Police believe there are about 200 Hells Angels members in the 
province and about 10 associates for every member.

Toronto Police Staff Supt. Rick Gauthier said a "significant" number 
of Toronto officers have been assigned to the provincial biker 
enforcement unit. "We have a large human resource commitment to biker 
enforcement because of the impact they have on Toronto," he said. 
"The Hells Angels are a very big deal to Toronto, to Toronto Police."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine