Hells Angels return to Nova Scotia signals 'increase in criminal activity': RCMP

Nova Scotia RCMP say they will be monitoring a party Saturday night tocelebratethe official opening of a new Hells Angels' chapterin Musquodoboit Harbour, N.S., markingthe outlaw bikergang's returnto the region.

Police expect up to 150 bikers, including Hells Angels,to be in the area.

In the early afternoon, bikers were preparingthe yellow clubhousefor the party, scheduled to start at 7 p.m. in the community 45 kilometres east of Halifax on the Eastern Shore.

• Hells Angels 'driven by violence' marking return to Nova Scotia

A man mowed the lawn as a few bikers in black leather vests and tasseledhelmets pulled up in front of the wide front porch.

A man in a red shirt ushered them into the building, which appears to contain a store selling motorcycle parts and accessories.

A largeposter on the window read:"Support Big Red Machine," an alias for the Hells Angels.

Not illegal for gang to have clubhouse

Public safety isn't likely to be an issuebut there will be additional officersin the area, with check stopsSaturday night and Sunday,RCMPCpl. MikeKerrsaid.

"It isn't illegal for Hells Angels to be in Nova Scotia, nor is it to open a clubhouse or a chapter," saidKerr, who works on a combined forces special enforcement unit.

• A look inside a Toronto Hells Angels store

But police expect the group's arrival will bring trouble.

"We do anticipate it will increase drugs and more criminal activity," Kerr said. "In regards to drugs and violence, we can say most of the impact is felt within the criminal world."

He says police will investigate if they become aware of any criminal activity associated with what he describes as "an outlaw motorcycle gang."

'Support club of the Hells Angels'

The clubhouse on Highway 7 is a Gate Keepers Club, one of seven in the province.

Kerr says the Gate Keepers, a "support club of the Hells Angels," has about 50 members here.

The Hells Angels were driven out of Nova Scotia in the early 2000s, when a police operation led to most of the members being arrested. The club is believed to have folded when itsonce-active membership dropped below six people.

There is a process that allows Gate Keepers to become Hells Angels over time, Kerr says. Police have identified more than a dozen members of biker clubs in the province who want to make that transition.

'Expand their criminal network'

The new Hells Angelschapter, which must have a minimum of six people,will be the only one in Atlantic Canada, according toRCMP.

"Hells Angels are business people and this case, we believe they are looking for areas to expand their criminal network," Kerr said.

"You first become a hangaround and with time, you become a prospect for the Hells Angels. Following that period, there's another lengthy period where you go from prospect to become a full-patch member of the Hells Angels."

He says police will be monitoring the group closely.

"We anticipate being busy," he said.

An organized crime specialisttold Radio-Canadahe believes the Hells Angels are eyeing Moncton, N.B., for a new chapter, as well.