Biker gangs make noise up north

Aug. 31 - Outlaw motorcycle gangs occupy a relatively low rung on the organized crime ladder, but their propensity for bloody turf wars has earned them more than their share of attention from authorities.

‘(They) remain a national priority for law enforcement in Canada.’ — CANADA'S CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE SERVICE

FOUNDED IN Oakland, Calif., in 1948, the Hells Angels have gunned their Harleys across the United States and Canada in the intervening half century, establishing a hodgepodge of local chapters. Not far behind was the Bandidos club of Texas, which soon developed into the Angels’ primary opponent for control of methamphetamine production and sales, not to mention distribution rights for harder drugs brought into the country by the “real” organized crime operations.

While the motorcycle gangs have to a large extent been pushed out of the U.S. methamphetamine market by Mexican gangs, the dispute has only moved northward, where added enticements like control of prostitution and arms smuggling have been added.

In both Canada, where the Angels have waged a four-year battle with the Rock Machine gang, and in Scandinavia, where the foe is the familiar Bandidos, the fighting has been murderous and highly destructive.

In Quebec alone, police say, the war between the Angels and the Rock Machine has resulted in 102 killings and 118 attempted murders.

In August, Canada’s Criminal Intelligence Service reported that the 249 known member of the Hells Angels are responsible for extensive drug smuggling and frequent use of violence.

”(They) remain a national priority for law enforcement in Canada,” the agency said.

In Denmark, Sweden and Norway, the two sides deployed rocket-propelled anti-tank grenades and AK-47 assault rifles in their battles.

All told, the wars there have claimed scores of lives and left hundreds wounded, authorities say.