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HOLLAND
COLLEGE • November 1, 2001
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INSIDE |
COLLEGE
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Bootlegging: the Maritime way? ----------------- |
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Hells
Angels not coming to P.E.I., says RCMP |
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Charles Reid Staff reporter Although outlaw biker gangs like the Hells Angels and Quebec's Rock Machine aren't established on P.E.I., they're still watched closely by Island police, said an RCMP spokesman. Cpl. Richard Thibault said Hells Angels come to P.E.I. in the summertime, but don't stay long-term. "They don't have a chapter per se. We monitor their travels and gather information. We definitely keep an eye on their presence," he said. In its most recent annual report on organized crime released in September 2001, the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada (CISC) which investigates domestic crime, said the Hells Angels is one of the most powerful and well-structured criminal organizations in Canada. |
As
of 1999 they had 18 chapters across the country. RCMP in P.E.I. and
Nova Scotia who monitor organized crime worry biker gangs will take
control of the Island's drug and sex trade as well as smuggle tobacco,
alcohol and people into P.E.I. along its mostly unwatched shoreline.
Rumours have surfaced recently that RCMP were watching a Charlottetown
restaurant for Hells Angels activity. While Thibault couldn't confirm this, he did say RCMP and CISC exchange information when gang members come to the Island. "We are made aware when they're going to be on P.E.I. The public wants police to be vigilant at all times. The exchange of information is crucial." |
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