Large number of Hells Angels in Lower Mainland for gang's 40th anniversary in B.C.

Police are warning people in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia to expect to see a "huge" number of bikers and police officers around the regionthis weekend as Hells Angels gather from across the country to mark the gang's 40th anniversary in B.C.

A statement from theB.C. Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) on Friday said gang members, their families and their friends are expected to descend ontheir White Rock Chapter clubhouse in Langley, B.C., and other communities in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"It is well documented that many Hells Angels, members of their supporting outlaw motorcycle gangs, and friends and associates, are involved in significant levels of criminal activity, includingtrafficking potentially deadly fentanyl and violent offences like assaults and homicide," saidCFSEUStaff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton.

"Officers from CFSEU-BC will be working with our policing partners from Langley RCMP, around the Lower Mainland, and across the country through the weekend to deter any illegal activity and ensure public safety by way of an overt police presence."

Police saidHells Angels are expected to be at parties at their clubhouses in Vancouver, Coquitlam, Mission and other cities around the Lower Mainland. Dozens of bikers and their supporters were also planning to ride on Highway 7 fromHope to the Haney area of Maple Ridge, B.C., on Friday.

The public should expect to see a significant police presence wherever the gang is gathered, the statement said.

WATCH | Hells Angels arrive at the White Rock Chapter clubhouse in Langley, B.C.:

Hells Angels gather from across the country to mark the gang's 40th anniversary in B.C.

11 months ago

Duration 1:22

Police said Hells Angels are at parties at their clubhouses in Vancouver, Coquitlam, Mission and other cities around the Lower Mainland with officers also present to ensure public safety.

Vancouver Sun crime reporter Kim Bolan told On The Coast guest host Kathryn Marlowthe public shouldn't be concerned about the gathering, but should be aware of what's going on in the Lower Mainland.

Bolansaid the police statement helps residents understand traffic delays and any check points, and could help allay any public concern.

The CFSEUhas a "mandate to target, investigate, prosecute, disrupt and dismantle the organized crime groups and individuals that pose the highest risk to public safety due to their involvement in gang violence."

"This includes outlaw motorcycle gangs and their members, and this week's co-ordinated police response across British Columbia is in support of suppressing and disrupting the outlaw motorcycle gang members' ability to conduct activities that may put the public at risk," Houghton said.

Kelly Sundberg, a criminologist at Calgary's Mount Royal University, saidthis weekend is a good public relations move for the gang, which has seen criminal convictions and the government seizure of three clubhouses.

"I think that these will be very well-organized, well-regulated events and celebrations," he said. "To show how they can hold a massive event and a festive event."

On The Coast6:43Hells Angels to mark 40 years in B.C.

Kim Bolan, a reporter with the Vancouver Sun, says that while the Hells Angels have taken some hits (seized clubhouses, criminal convictions) and several of their members remain powerful and influential drug traffickers and have been convicted of other serious crimes like manslaughter the motorcycle gang actually continues to grow, with connections to mid-level gangs and puppet clubs.

Bolan said the Hells Angels continue tohave a lot of"clout," and are affiliated with other gangs involved in the B.C. gang conflict.

"The Hells Angels are still very, very powerful," she told On The Coast.

"But I do think that they're battling to maintain their reputation," she added, noting the gathering may send a message about the gang's strength, despite recently having had clubhouses seized by the province.