News (Media Awareness Project) - CN BC: Organized Crime Extends Reach To Victoria Drug Scene |
Title: | CN BC: Organized Crime Extends Reach To Victoria Drug Scene |
Published On: | 2005-07-22 |
Source: | Victoria News (CN BC) |
Fetched On: | 2008-01-15 23:20:37 |
ORGANIZED CRIME EXTENDS REACH TO VICTORIA DRUG SCENE
While the Hells Angels don't operate a chapter in Greater Victoria
their influence can still be felt in the area, according to one
high-ranking police officer.
Members of the rogue motorcycle gang were recently charged in
relation to the drug trade in B.C. It's not a stretch to say a
substantial quantity of those drugs are making their way to the
Capital Region, said Victoria police Deputy Chief Geoff Varley.
I think vicariously (the Hells Angels) are obviously connected to our
drug trade," he said.
Varley's comments come in the wake of the arrests of 19 people,
including seven full-patched members of the Hells Angels, over the
past week for a variety of offences, including drug trafficking,
extortion and possession of explosives. The arrests came following a
23-month investigation when Vancouver police and the RCMP raided the
clubhouse belonging to the Hells Angels' East End chapter and another
clubhouse belonging to a fledgling chapter in Kelowna.
During the raids police seized more than 20 kilograms of crystal
methamphetamine; more than 20 kg of cocaine; more than 70 kg of
marijuana; more than $200,000 in Canadian currency; 250 kg of
methylamine - used for concocting ecstasy - and a variety of weapons
and explosives.
As well, the arrests mark the first time members of the Hells Angels
in B.C. have been charged with committing crimes for the benefit of a
criminal organization.
I think that type of news is actually very good news. Anyone who is
part of a criminal organization in this province should be dealt with
to the full extent of the law," Varley said.
While the Hells Angels don't operate a chapter in Greater Victoria
their influence can still be felt in the area, according to one
high-ranking police officer.
Members of the rogue motorcycle gang were recently charged in
relation to the drug trade in B.C. It's not a stretch to say a
substantial quantity of those drugs are making their way to the
Capital Region, said Victoria police Deputy Chief Geoff Varley.
I think vicariously (the Hells Angels) are obviously connected to our
drug trade," he said.
Varley's comments come in the wake of the arrests of 19 people,
including seven full-patched members of the Hells Angels, over the
past week for a variety of offences, including drug trafficking,
extortion and possession of explosives. The arrests came following a
23-month investigation when Vancouver police and the RCMP raided the
clubhouse belonging to the Hells Angels' East End chapter and another
clubhouse belonging to a fledgling chapter in Kelowna.
During the raids police seized more than 20 kilograms of crystal
methamphetamine; more than 20 kg of cocaine; more than 70 kg of
marijuana; more than $200,000 in Canadian currency; 250 kg of
methylamine - used for concocting ecstasy - and a variety of weapons
and explosives.
As well, the arrests mark the first time members of the Hells Angels
in B.C. have been charged with committing crimes for the benefit of a
criminal organization.
I think that type of news is actually very good news. Anyone who is
part of a criminal organization in this province should be dealt with
to the full extent of the law," Varley said.
Member Comments |
No member comments available...