By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Nanaimo RCMP watching closely as hundreds of Hells Angels ride into town

Jul 19, 2018 | 4:07 PM

NANAIMO — Hundreds of notorious criminals and bikers will descend upon Nanaimo this weekend.

They’re celebrating the 35th anniversariy of the Nanaimo, Vancouver and Eastend chapters forming back in 1983.

“We know for a fact many of them are involved in criminal activty,” RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW. “Often they don’t want to attract attention to themselves but we do keep a very close eye to ensure they’re in full compliance of the law. We believe we have sufficient resources in place to deal with that.”

Extra officers and members of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit will be on the streets monitoring areas all across the city, such as their former club house off Victoria Rd. and hotels in town.

O’Brien said the riders will likely come in off the Departure Bay ferry and ride through downtown before dispersing to various parties and events.

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The 35th anniversary ride is expected to be one of the largest Hells Angels events in the area.

O’Brien said RCMP aren’t expecting any major incidents over the weekend and the general public shouldn’t be concerned.

“If people are concerned about increased activity in the bars, we can let you know that any member with colours on isn’t allowed into any bars or restaurants in the city, because all those businesses are participating in the bar watch program.”

The Nanaimo Chapter of the Hells Angels is currently embroiled in a massive civil forfeiture case with the province after massive raids several years ago and the closing of their local club house.

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