Quebec provincial police launched a sweeping crackdown, issuing hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs ahead of their “first run” in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
According to Surete du Quebec (SQ) spokesperson Louis-Philippe Ruel, over 300 fines were issued for various infractions, primarily related to the Highway Safety Code, in Saint-Denis-de-Brompton in the Eastern Townships.
Ruel revealed that some fines were administered following instances of bikers using offensive language against officers. The police had set up a checkpoint for the day and night near the meeting location.
Daniel Renaud, a La Presse reporter specializing in organized crime, stated to Noovo Info that attendance at the first run is expected from all Quebec members.
“I’m told by both the police and the criminal community that this will be a normal first run. In other words, we’re expecting to see just as many people as last year, and no show of force. That’s the case every time, it’s a show of visibility,” Renaud remarked.
Despite the heavy police presence and issuance of fines, no arrests were made during the operation.