Outlaw motorcycle gangs expected to increase presence in Newfoundland and Labrador: RCMP

The RCMP is warned the public of an expected increase in the presence of outlaw motorcycle gangs in the province as the summer riding season progresses.

Staff Sgt. Steve Conohan of RCMP criminal intelligence provided information to the media Thursday on what can be expected from members of these outlaw gangs.
“Outlaw motorcycle gangs are known for their intimidation of people in our communities and their association with criminal activities,” he said in a news release. “The public may notice increased sightings of outlaw motorcycle gangs which, at times, will ride in formations at high rates of speed, unsafely passing highway vehicles and blocking intersections. We urge the public not to engage with these gangs and to instead report sightings and any suspected illegal activity to the police so we can take enforcement action and remind these gang members that they too are subject to the same rules and regulations as all citizens.”

The RCMP and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary co-operate on the outlaw motorcycle gang file.
Criminal activity associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs includes drug trafficking, fraud, counterfeiting, money laundering, human trafficking, contraband smuggling, prostitution, extortion, violence and illegal gaming, the RCMP noted.

Outlaw motorcycle gangs use a one-per-cent patch to identify the wearer as a person who does not follow the law or society’s rules. The term “one percenter” (originated following a riot at a motorcycle rally in California in 1947. At the time, the American Motorcycle Association defended the reputation of the majority of their membership, stating that 99 per of motorcycle riders are law-abiding citizens and the other one per cent are “nothing more than outlaws,” the RCMP said. Outlaw motorcycle gangs often have a logo and “colours,” a uniform that identifies members. Most often, colours include a leather vest with the club logo on the back along with other patches and pins on the front.

Conohan said Newfoundland and Labrador currently has one-per-cent motorcycle clubs operating in the province, including the Bacchus MC and the Outlaws MC. In addition, several motorcycle clubs in the province support one-per-cent clubs such as the Hells Angels, the Bacchus and the Outlaws.


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