Pubdate: Mon, 02 Oct 2006
Source: Mississauga News (CN ON)
Copyright: The Mississauga News 2006
Contact:  http://www.mississauganews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/268
Author: Louie Rosella,  Dominik Kurek

DRUG TRADE SUFFERING AFTER BUSTS, SAY POLICE

Nearly $3 Million In Drugs Seized

Mississauga - Peel Regional Police say Thursday's sweeping raids that 
targeted the Hells Angels motorcycle gang have put a significant dent 
in the illegal drug trade in Mississauga.

At a news conference on Friday, investigators revealed they seized 
millions of dollars in narcotics that were destined for streets in 
Mississauga and across the GTA. A series of police raids was carried 
out at numerous locations in the GTA.

Project Tandem, a joint-forces investigation led by Ontario 
Provincial Police (OPP), resulted in one of the most significant 
Hells Angels busts in the province's history, police said.

The probe, which involved 10 Peel police officers who conducted at 
least two raids on Mississauga locations, resulted in 27 arrests this 
week. Those arrested include 15 Hells Angels members and one member 
of the Vagabond gang.

Police seized nearly $3 million in drugs, including two kilograms of 
crystal meth-amphetamine (crystal meth), and 13 kilograms of cocaine.

Police also seized seven firearms and about $1 million in assets, 
including more than $470,000 in cash, $300,000 in vehicles and 
$140,000 in motorcycles.

Allegations that Hells Angels are involved in producing and 
trafficking meth is, "a very tragic situation for our community," 
said OPP Det. Insp. Don Bell.

"Meth is highly addictive. It will effect our youth, it will affect 
the social life of our community," he said. "More importantly, the 
ancillary crimes that are associated with this will increase."

Peel acting Staff Supt. Blair Foley said drug dealers in Peel will 
feel the impact of this week's arrests.

Meth labs are easily disguised in homes, and their presence in Canada 
has increased in recent years, according to Royal Canadian Mounted 
Police (RCMP).

Investigators spent several hours on Thursday at Vision 24-hour 
Fitness gym on Queensway E. in Mississauga, seizing computer hard 
drives and boxes of documents.

Bell said a Hells Angels member who acted as a police informant 
helped the 18-month investigation.

"We've hit them hard and now they have to look over their shoulders," 
said Bell. "We've infiltrated them with one of their own."

Project Tandem also resulted in the arrests of two Oshawa bikers 
charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Bell said police believe, "the Hells Angels are criminal and as such, 
are not welcome in our community.

"Despite their rhetoric that they are motorcycle enthusiasts, our 
enforcement initiatives make it clear that the Hells Angels are 
involved in criminal activity that does include drugs and other 
weapons-related offences," he said.
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