ORGANIZED CRIME TAKES HOLD IN THE MIDWEST

Lloydminster Meridian Booster -- A recent report released by Criminal
Intelligence Service Alberta says the Hell's Angels and other
organized crime groups are expanding into Alberta, including Lloydminster.

"Several new organized crime groups have been reported in the Eastern
Alberta district, one based in Fort McMurray and one operating in the
east central area of the province between Lloydminster and Provost,"
said the report. "Both are primarily street-level drug distribution
groups and have demonstrated violence and intimidation to defend
their drug markets and collect drug debts."

According to their website, the CISA exists to combat the spread of
organized crime through areas such as intelligence sharing, strategic
analysis, operational support and training.

The head of the Lloydminster RCMP acknowledges the presence of
organized crime in the Border City, and points out that it's on the
radar of the RCMP and is something they are monitoring.

"Organized crime is everywhere because illegal substances are
everywhere and that's what they do," said Sgt. Ken Marchand. "We have
had influences in Lloydminster from a group south of the city by
Provost, and it is something we are concerned about."