BROOKS TAKING STAND AGAINST HELL'S ANGELS

In an almost unprecedented move, Brooks Mayor Don Weisbeck called on
locals to stand up to the Hells Angels.

"Like terrorists, the Hells Angels...work on fear and intimidation
and like our approach to terrorism (federal policy), we have to
acknowledge and stand up to the menace," Weisbeck wrote in a weekly
newspaper column published in the News and Brooks Bulletin this week.

In a later interview, Weisbeck said his concern stemmed from a June 2
ride staged by 40 Angels wearing full patches, or motorcycle club regalia.

The Mayor contends the event was a show of force to underscore that
an Angels' affiliate gang in Brooks, called a puppet club, is in
control an illegal drug distribution network locally.

"The fact that 40 fully patched members showed up here and in
Medicine Hat is they're giving a very, very clear message in our town
that they're in charge. That isn't a message to the public at large -
it's a message to those that are trading in drugs."

Weisbeck contends the Angels have been established in Brooks for a
number of years conducting drug transactions through its puppet club.

Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta (an Alberta-wide
organized-crime policing network formed by the provincial government)
notes in its 2005-06 annual report that "Brooks is a viable drug
market for a number of organized crime groups."

It further reports an Edmonton Hells Angel member has subordinates
dial-a-doping cocaine in Brooks and Medicine Hat as well as
Asian-based groups and seemingly independent organizations
trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine in Brooks.

"If there's other clubs in town -- if there is -- they're (the
Angels) saying: Stay out. This is our territory," Weisbeck said.

Asked if Brooks RCMP has adequate resources to police the issue,
"that's probably a question you should ask the RCMP," Weisbeck said.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Peter Puszka is on staff training in Ottawa this week
and could not be reached.