https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2018/12/08/les-hells-de-trois-rivieres-ciblesThe Hells of Trois-Rivières targeted
SQ police hit the new local biker club in Saint-Cuthbert
The new headquarters of the Hells Angels chapter of Trois-Rivières was the target of a search by the Sûreté du Québec last night as part of an investigation targeting members in good standing of the motorcycle club.
Approximately 60 police officers from the National Organized Crime Squad (ENRCO) as well as the Tactical Intervention Group (TIG) and a dog handler have invested a property of Rang Saint-André Sud-Ouest, in a remote area. Saint-Cuthbert, in Lanaudière, where there is a residence and what looks like farm buildings.
"This search is being conducted during the investigation and is aimed at members in good standing of the Hells Angels. In order not to harm this one, no other additional detail can be divulged, "said Sergeant Claude Denis, spokesperson for the Sûreté du Québec (SQ).
He states that the police investigation tends to show that the place serves as a meeting place for bikers.
According to our information, a dozen people were on site during the strike of the ENRCO, including at least three full patches: Alain Biron, Marcellin Morin and Yves Gagné. Pascal Facchino, a prospect from the Trois-Rivières Chapter, was also present. No one has been arrested and no charges are laid.
Me Annie Lahaise, a lawyer who has already defended bikers in the past, was present during the surprise intervention of the police, indicate our sources.
It could be the first of several such operations, as this type of search is often followed by other police interventions.
New vehicle
The police have had to change their way of doing things since the Jordan case, with which the Supreme Court has reduced court delays.
The search, which aims for a "nerve center" for the Hells, was also an opportunity for the GTI to use a new armored protection truck for the first time.
"With this new vehicle, the Sûreté du Québec is raising the bar in its fight against organized crime and in its mandate to protect the public," said Lieutenant Hugo Fournier, manager of the police's media communications department.
The purchase of this new vehicle, made in Quebec, was necessary because the old one was reaching the end of its life.
