Copyright: 2008 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Jason van Rassel

HELLS ANGELS-LINKED GANG THWARTED IN MEDICINE HAT

An undercover investigation by Medicine Hat police has stopped an
Edmonton-based gang with ties to the Hells Angels from putting down
roots in the southern Alberta city.

The investigation, dubbed Project Vortex, netted police 1.25
kilograms of cocaine and resulted in the arrest of three men
allegedly involved with the White Boy Posse -- a gang that includes
white supremacist members with a fondness for Nazi symbols.

Although the gang continues to operate, Medicine Hat police said
their operation last week has foiled the White Boy Posse's nascent
bid to sell cocaine in the city of 60,000.

"It was a huge impact in Medicine Hat," said Sgt. Brent Secondiak of
the organized crime section. "They were in the process of finding
clientele and we stopped them."

Police in Edmonton who have observed the White Boy Posse said being a
white supremacist isn't a requirement for being in the gang, but the
racist ideology is shared by many of its members and associates.

"People of that mentality do gravitate to that group," said Acting
Det. Dale Johnson of the Edmonton Police Service.

Some members have Nazi-style swastikas tattooed on their bodies, and
police have found flags and other white supremacist paraphernalia.

In March, a joint Edmonton-RCMP investigation called Project Goliath
ended with the arrest of 14 White Boy Posse members and 10 others
believed to be associates.

Police alleged the suspects were responsible for street-level cocaine
dealing in Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray and Yellowknife.

Law enforcement agencies have identified the White Boy Posse as a
puppet gang associated with the Hells Angels.

The Hells Angels, an international outlaw biker gang with three
chapters in Alberta, are believed to be responsible for wholesale
drug sales to street-level gangs.

In the Medicine Hat case, three men have been charged with possession
of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds
of crime and possession of prohibited weapons.