GANG'S PRESENCE EXPECTED TO BE FELT

The Hells Angels are here.

The official opening of a Hells Angels Motorcycle Club chapter in
Kelowna this month will increase the presence of club members in
Penticton, said Sgt. Al Haslett, head of the RCMP's criminal
intelligence section.

"It's going to have a huge impact up and down the whole Okanagan," he
said. "I expect you would see more of them (in Penticton)."

While at least six Hells Angels have been living in Kelowna for a
number of years, the formation of a chartered chapter formalizes
their presence, said Haslett, adding that Kelowna will now be the
chapter's headquarters and the communities nearby will become their
"territory." This means recruiting new members from the area,
operating businesses and running the drug trade in the Okanagan. The
establishment of the chapter also means that drug dealers in the area
will be informed that they are now working for the Hells Angels and
will be required to pay a "tax" to the motorcycle club on their
earnings, said Haslett.

This will in turn increase the drug trafficking in the region, he said.

It will also result in a larger presence of Angels in the Peach City.

"I think it's important that everyone in this valley know that this
could impact them significantly," said Haslett.

Penticton RCMP said they will be watching closely to see how the
establishment of a Kelowna chapter impacts the South Okanagan.

Penticton Const. Ted Manchulenko said RCMP will continue to work with
both the Kelowna detachment and E Division to monitor the movements
of the motorcycle club throughout the valley.

Local RCMP often receive tips from its intelligence section when
Hells Angels or members of other outlaw motorcycle clubs or gangs are
coming to the city, especially during the summer months, when
Manchulenko said it is not uncommon to see members of the Hells
Angels -- and other known gangs -- hanging out at local clubs and
bars. Currently, however, there are no known members of the Hells
Angels living in Penticton, he said.

Hells Angels spokesperson Rick Ciarniello said the formation of a
Kelowna chapter was in response to "constant publicity generated by
law enforcement."

He added that the new club, however, will not have the impact RCMP
are predicting.

"Nothing has changed," said Ciarniello. "The people that are Kelowna
Hells Angels are the people that live here."

It is expected that at least four other members will be joining the
Kelowna chapter from Vancouver's East End chapter and Alberta chapters.