Up to 1,000 members of the Hells Angels will pass through Whitby this weekend

Police east of Toronto say they expect to see up to 1,000 members of the Hells Angels as the club holds its national motorcycle race this weekend.

“We don’t want to create panic,” Durham Regional Police Deputy Chief Dean Bertrim said at a press conference Monday before the event. “But we have an obligation, and frankly, I have a responsibility, to make sure that our community is aware and has provided the correct information.”

The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) chapter, based in Brooklyn, north of Whitby, will host the 2022 Canada Run from July 22-24.

Officials said they hoped the annual meeting, where members will travel from across the county and beyond to participate, would be “smooth” but asked members of the public to keep their distance.

“If you see a large group of motorcycles, outlaw motorcycle clubs, do not interact, keep your distance. Try to stay away from the line of motorcycles and be safe,” OPP Det/Insp. stressed Scott Wade.

Before the three-day event, Deputy Chief Bertrim acknowledged police were aware of social media posts from Hells Angels supporters opposing the service’s proactive approach.

“Let me be clear today: they are an organized crime group that has consistently proven to be responsible for all manner of crimes, including drug trafficking, illegal gambling, human trafficking, firearms and acts of violence committed by their members and or through support clubs,” Bertrim said.

Bertrim said these crimes were highlighted by Project KAKIA, a 2021 police investigation targeting organized crime networks in Durham and involving members of the Hells Angels and Red Devils motorcycle clubs.

About 32 firearms and ammunition, $300,000 in cash and $1.2 million worth of drugs were seized in that operation.

Police added that there will be an increased police presence in the area during the event and that local businesses have already been informed of what to expect on Friday.

The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club spans five continents and 59 countries, with global members estimated to be in the thousands.