The RCMP's gangster 'hit list' -- exclusive six-part series on the violent and profitable world of organized crime in B.C.
Update 3: Heads Up!
Other Updates and early posts are listed below this article.
The RCMP's gangster 'hit list' -- Today the Vancouver Sun and Victoria Times Colonist launch an exclusive six-part series on the violent and profitable world of organized crime in B.C. -- from the notorious H**** Ang*** to Asian gangsters. The series is the result of a joint investigation by both newspapers
"But The Sun has learned that a secret 2001 report by the Organized Crime Agency of B.C. identified by name five full members of the H**** Ang*** who work at the Vancouver and Delta ports, along with more than 30 known associates."
The RCMP has compiled a secret "hit list" of B.C.'s 20 most dangerous crime bosses, a list it hopes will help it put more gangsters behind bars and strike a blow against organized crime in this province, a joint Vancouver Sun-Victoria Times Colonist investigation has learned.
And while the RCMP refuses to reveal the names of the individuals on its list -- for fear of tipping off potential investigation targets -- it will reveal which group it considers the province's biggest criminal threat: The H**** Ang***.
"OMG [outlaw motorcycle gangs] is the top," said Supt. Dick Grattan, head of the RCMP's criminal intelligence section in B.C.
Grattan said biker-gang members make up the largest proportion of people on the force's Top 20 list, an annual ranking known as the Strategic Threat Assessment that the Mounties in B.C. have been producing for the past few years.
Asian organized-crime figures make up the second-largest group on the list, followed by Eastern European gangsters.
"The Top 20 would be the ones who have the most influence over organized crime in the province," Grattan said. [. . . . ]
But The Sun has learned that a secret 2001 report by the Organized Crime Agency of B.C. identified by name five full members of the Hells Angels who work at the Vancouver and Delta ports, along with more than 30 known associates. [. . . . ]
Athwal said longshoremen are not subject to criminal-record checks or other background checks before working at the ports. However, Transport Canada has proposed new regulations that would require port workers -- like airport workers -- to be subject to background checks before working in restricted areas. [. . . . ]
- HELLS ANGELS: Outlaw motorcycle gang members and the businesses they own.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 18
- CASH CROP: How the marijuana trade fuels organized crime.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 25
- Young & violent: Drug-smuggling and the extreme violence of Indo-Canadian gangs.
SATURDAY, OCT. 2
- GOING UNDERCOVER: Money-laundering and the dangerous life of an undercover cop.
SATURDAY, OCT. 9
- PURSUING JUSTICE: What we must do to put more perpetrators of organized crime behind bars.
[*** inserted by NJC]
Go to the site for the whole, informative article; don't miss the series. Are these not Asper newspapers bringing this series? Good show! And thanks from Canadians who have been spared--or is it protected--from the reality for so long. Is our government going to do something by way of $$$ to help those who must deal with all this so the rest of us don't have to know anything about it?
Here is where we have to openly discuss legalization of marijuana -- but what about cocaine -- and methamphetamines -- and heroin? Where does it end? We don't need MPs afraid to speak their minds on any topic, including drugs, nor should they be polarized along party lines. We need statesman who can speak out, giving the best information they can glean about what is best for Canada, arguing the case out of passionate concern for the good of the greatest number, then voting without fear of whips and party discipline. The gangs and drug problem call for far-seeing statesman who will do the best for Canada -- not just act to secure a vote for themselves or their parties in the short term, but acting for Canada's future. This is too important and vicious a problem for party discipline to reign -- and it appears to be getting worse.
