POLICE CONCERNED ABOUT INCREASED BIKER GANG ACTIVITY

Since the Hells Angels expanded into Winnipeg and Thunder Bay police in
Kenora say they have seen a substantial increase in biker activity here.

Law enforcers aren't surprised as Kenora is the largest centre between
Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, which are separated by an eight hour drive, and
as the Hells Angels move full-speed ahead to capitalize on Ontario's drug
trade they aren't about to ignore a lucrative and conveniently-located spot
like Kenora.

Both the Kenora Police Service and the Kenora OPP say they're keeping close
tabs on several individuals who have ties with bike gang members and make
no effort to conceal their disdain for bikers, their enforcers and
associates when they're in town either on business or for pleasure, making
their stay as "uncomfortable" as the law allows.

While the OPP won't comment on the presence of bikers in Kenora, not even
to say they're aware of the problem, Kenora Police Service Chief George
Curtis is upfront about his force's involvement in monitoring the
activities of undesirables who either live or visit here.

"At this point we don't know what their interest is, other than to control
and monitor the drug trade here. There is nothing to indicate at this point
they're looking to set up a clubhouse here," Curtis says.

Last July the Hells Angels patched-over Los Bravos members in Winnipeg and
have set up camp in Thunder Bay.

National bike gang experts say the surge into Ontario is in response to
their rivals dash;the Rock Machine's dash; expansion from Quebec into
Toronto and Kingston. Seeing a huge drug market in Ontario that was run by
smaller groups and knowing larger gangs may eventually expand, the Hells
Angels decided to move in quick and take over.

And in most cases, police aren't sitting on their haunches watching.

On St. Patrick's Day in Thunder Bay, members of the Thunder Bay Police
Service provincial special squad and tri-force drug unit accompanied a
liquor inspector to the Paradise Island club for what they say was a
'routine' liquor inspection of the club known to be frequented by bikers.

The officers had trouble getting into the intercity establishment as a
doorman tried to block the door. He and another man who took exception to
the police presence were arrested. One is described as being a Hells Angels
member and the other has 'hang-around' status with the gang.

The day prior police launched a full-fledged assault on the outlaw
motorcycle gang in Thunder Bay charging 14 people with 33 drug and weapons
offences after storming a hangout.