COPS 'HIT THE SOURCE'

Raids Nab 26, More Sought For By Police

For the third time in less than four years, Manitoba's largest police
forces have taken down members or associates of the province's Hells
Angels chapter, accusing them of importing and selling huge amounts of
drugs.

In terms of the number of suspects, this is the largest of the three
stings.

"We've hit the higher level of this particular cell. By doing so we
know that is going to have a trickle-down effect all the way down to
the lower dealers," said Winnipeg police spokesman Const. Jason
Michalyshen. "We've hit the source."

Twenty-six people have been arrested and others are being sought in
connection with the massive police sting led by the Manitoba
integrated organized crime task force, comprised of RCMP, Winnipeg
Police Service and Brandon Police Service officers. All but one are
men.

At least one high-ranking member of the Manitoba Hells Angels and
every member of the Zig Zag Crew, which is aligned with the outlaw
motorcycle gang's local chapter, are among those swept up in the
13-month investigation, which involved more than 300 police officers,
police said.

It focused on high-level drug trafficking but some are accused of
firearms trafficking and money laundering.

Police wouldn't reveal how they gathered evidence against the
suspects. Past investigations have involved paid informants.

Pre-dawn raids were conducted at several homes, at least one business
and the Manitoba Hells Angels clubhouse at 2679 Scotia St.

So far, 24 people have been formally charged in the investigation
dubbed Project Divide, including Hells Angels member Sean Sebastian
Wolfe, 33, who's charged with conspiracy to traffic in cocaine and
conspiracy to possess proceeds of crime.

Still outstanding, according to a source, is a Hells Angels member who
has high-ranking status.

Police have seized 165 ounces of cocaine, 12 ounces of
methamphetamine, 12,000 ecstasy tablets, an ounce of heroin, seven
pounds of marijuana, firearms, alleged drug money, and Hells Angels
and Zig Zag Crew documents and property so far.

The suspects were arrested during a series of dramatic takedowns
yesterday.

Given the likelihood of weapons and some suspects' history of
violence, SWAT teams, armed with assault rifles and shotguns,
descended on most, if not all, 23 locations in Manitoba and one in
B.C.

In Winnipeg, raids were conducted at homes in Charleswood, Elmwood,
the North End, Tuxedo, Weston and elsewhere.

Police searched residences in Brandon and the Rural Municipality of
Springfield, and Eastwood Truck & Toy Centre on Roblin Boulevard in
Headingley. Suspect Nello Chiappetta, accused of laundering drug
money, is the dealership's finance manager, according to its website.

Officers with St. Anne Police Service and police agencies in B.C.
assisted the RCMP and Winnipeg and Brandon police services.

The organized crime task force is responsible for previous stings in
February 2006 and December 2007, resulting in charges against 31
people, including Hells Angels members and associates.