Pubdate: Sun, 05 Oct 2008
Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB)
Copyright: 2008 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.winnipegsun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503
Author: Chris Kitching
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?188 (Outlaw Bikers)

HELLS ANGELS LIKELY REGROUPING, SAY POLICE

Manitoba's Hells Angels chapter is down but not out in the wake of 
two elaborate undercover police stings that jailed several members or 
associates and has others awaiting trial.

The double-whammy of projects Defence and Drill -- targeting drug 
trafficking and other crimes -- was a considerable hit to local 
members and associates of the world's most notorious biker gang.

"They've pulled in their horns a bit. They're obviously licking their 
wounds, but they haven't stopped," said Staff Sgt. Mike McTaggart of 
the Winnipeg RCMP criminal intelligence section. "Will they 
resurrect? Without a doubt. There's always people who want to join the Angels."

In all, 31 people were arrested in Project Defence in February 2006 
and Project Drill last December.

Four were members of the Manitoba Hells Angels chapter. They include 
former presidents Ernie Dew and Dale Donovan.

There has been speculation the shakeup created by the undercover 
projects, orchestrated by the Manitoba integrated organized crime 
task force, led to a struggle for control within the province's drug trade.

There has been instability and gang-related violence in Thompson, 
including homicides and shootings.

Sgt. Pat Olson, an RCMP officer with the province's integrated gang 
intelligence unit, said some gangs see Manitoba as an open market for 
drug trafficking.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom