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NANAIMO – Hundreds of Hells Angels from across Canada spent the Saturday partying at the local biker's pavilion right next to the one that was raided by the RCMP near 11 years old
. and Nova Scotia began arriving Friday under the watchful eye of the anti-gang agency of British Columbia – the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – and of Other police forces
. like fashion at the Nanaimo complex to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Hells Angels in British Columbia
The old Hells Angels clubhouse at 805 Victoria Road. Remains behind a blue metal fence, a large No Trespbading sign hanging from the dilapidated building.
It is the subject of an ongoing legal battle between the Hells Angels and the BC director of civil forfeiture that began with the clubhouse raid in November 2007.
Warehouse Structure , evaluated this year as worth $ 104,000, no longer bears the marks of the famous biker gang.
But right next door, the Nanaimo The Hells Angels have established an even larger complex in two houses surrounded by gravel.
One of the properties used belongs to Angels Acres, the same company owned by a biker who was named defendant in the civil forfeiture case. The house, which has a new garage added to the interior with Hells Angels signs, has a current value valued at $ 242,000.
The second house, valued at $ 303,000, belongs to Jeffrey Scott Pasanen, according to the land records. ] Pasanen, a convicted drug dealer, is a full member of the Nanaimo Chapter
The UMECO and other city agencies oversaw the event by taking pictures when the motorcyclists got their act together. are mingled "
" Part of their presence here is to intimidate the public, intimidate and sow fear among rival criminal organizations and restore or reaffirm that they are essentially the best dogs, "said Sgt of UMECO. . Lindsey Houghton
"We are here to keep them in check and make sure nothing goes wrong."
Bikers seem to be friendly with many in the neighborhood. Several local residents said that they had no problem with the Hells Angels, but they did not want to be quoted.
Houghton said his agency was trying to educate the public about the connection between the Hells Angels and organized crime in British Columbia. "The Hells Angels of British Columbia have a significant influence and presence around the world, not only in the organization of the Hells Angels, but also in criminal organizations around the world." . they operate.
"The public must realize that this club is not just a clubhouse for fun."
Asked about the fact that the Nanaimo chapter reinstated a pavilion despite the case From civil forfeiture, Houghton said, "It's a continued motivation for us to not only target them openly, but also secretly." It's no secret that we are looking for every opportunity to study them.
"We will do everything possible to ensure that their influence in communities like Nanaimo – or in any other community – is in check."
Bikers were on their best behavior Friday and Saturday, although many been arrested for alleged road violations.
A refrigeration truck was on club grounds, as well as a stage, several tents and outdoor tables. Prospects and hangarounds – people of r lower ang in the Hells Angels program – did security and arrived with supplies and stereo equipment.
While most Angels arrived on their Harleys, others came by taxi or van. The first three chapters of the Hells Angels – Nanaimo, White Rock and Vancouver – began on July 23, 1983. Since then, the bikers have expanded with 10 sections in the province and 121 members, prospects and badociates.
Hells Angels BC Spokesman Rick Ciarniello arrived at the Nanaimo Club around noon on Saturday. He did not respond to an email request for a comment on the birthday party
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Kim Bolan, crime reporter, is in Nanaimo to cover the 35th anniversary of the first chapters of the Hells Angels in British Columbia. She will be tweeting live events on Friday and Saturday
© Copyright Times Colonist
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