Pubdate: Sat, 26 Apr 2014 Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB) Copyright: 2014 Canoe Limited Partnership. Contact: http://www.edmontonsun.com/letter-to-editor Website: http://www.edmontonsun.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135 Author: Pamela Roth Page: 4 'IT'S A BLOW' Charges will affect local Hells Angels: cops Standing between two tables packed with an assortment of Hells Angels gear and bags of marijuana, ALERT Insp. Darcy Strang can't help but feel proud. For the first time in the 28 years the Hells Angels have been operating in the province, organized crime charges have been laid against six prominent members - a feat Strang admits wasn't easy, but is very significant. "They are very organized. It's much like when you break the rules of an organization you're in, there is penalties and sanctions and they certainly have governed themselves accordingly," said Strang. "It's difficult to be able to investigate this stuff. A lot of times evidence, investigations just don't fall by our side. However, this time stars just lined up for us and we were able to keep going. It's a difficult charge to lay so we're very very fortunate." The charges were laid after police descended upon 10 homes Wednesday morning as part of an ongoing investigation into the Hells Angels that involved about 200 officers and support personnel. Homes in Acheson, Strathcona County and Leduc were searched, along with seven homes in Edmonton, including the Hells Angels Westridge chapter clubhouse near 159 Street and 81 Avenue. Neighbours in that area said the bikers often held regular meetings at the home and were seen sporting their vests - a tactic Strang said is often used for intimidation. According to Strang, one individual would often stay at the clubhouse, but otherwise it was empty. The other homes, however, were regular residences of the bikers. Strang said there is only really two chapters of the Hells Angels in the Edmonton area, but there are several puppet clubs. The Westridge chapter has been around for about eight years. Those arrested are the hierarchy of the chapter, he added, making it difficult now for them to function. "It is a definite blow," said Strang. "It's not in their best interest to have this happen to them. I definitely think it will affect them." Field intelligence teams have been focusing on outlaw motorcycle gangs within northern Alberta since September. In February, 10 people, including a full patch member of the Hells Angels were arrested and charged with nearly 40 offences after police searched four homes - one in St. Albert and four in Edmonton - finding a medley of weapons and drugs. Last month, ALERT teams also arrested four members of the Warlocks outlaw motorcycle club in Drayton Valley following a search of a home in that town. Strang said the most recent investigation began in February following a robbery and violent assault in Drayton Valley - an incident sparked by a turf war between the Hells Angels and Warlocks. During the searches and arrests on Wednesday, police also seized 26 pounds of marijuana, one handgun, one firearm, 19 Hells Angels vests, the HA world rules book, various jewelry and Hells Angels paraphernalia, along with weapons such as brass knuckles and a collapsible baton. As the investigation continues, more arrests could be made. "They are not in there just to be friends and ride bikes together," said Strang. "It's a business - a criminal business - and they're in there to make money." - --- MAP posted-by: Matt