INFORMER'S HISTORY AS HELLS ANGELS ENFORCER WORRIED RCMP

A police handler for a man hired to infiltrate the Hells Angels
admits he was concerned that Michael Plante's reputation as an
enforcer could threaten the operation.

"That was a big challenge for him to overcome, given his past
involvement with the [Hells Angels] targets," RCMP Insp. Gary
Shinkaruk said in court yesterday.

The court has heard that Plante was involved in numerous drug-debt
collections with members of the Hells Angels, actions that involved
assaults, prior to becoming a police agent in April 2004.

Shinkaruk said he was concerned that Plante might simply be used by
the bikers for his "muscle" and attempts were made to get him into
more legitimate activities.

Noting Plante's "fairly limited" business skills and his prior
history as a trafficker of steroids, police considered establishing a
storefront business selling protein drinks and supplements, said Shinkaruk.

The officer's comments came under questioning by the lawyer of [Name
redacted], one of two Hells Angels charged with methamphetamine trafficking.

Shinkaruk also testified that Plante believed that he was under
24-hour surveillance by police and it caused him some stress.

[Name redacted] co-accused, full-patch Hells Angel member [Name
redacted], is charged with possession of meth for the purposes of trafficking.

The trial continues today.