'Like company Christmas parties:' Hells Angels member describes national gathering in Calgary
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On Wednesday, a public advisory about the gathering held annually in different parts of Canada was issued by city police, who, along with other law enforcement agencies, view the motorcycle club as an organized crime outfit involved in drug trafficking and other activities.
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But the long-time Calgary member called that 'propaganda' and noted the police statement predicted there'd likely be no trouble coming from he and his colleagues during the Friday and Saturday event.
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'It's like any company, you have your Christmas parties.'
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A circus tent has been set up for the party at the local Hells Angels clubhouse in southeast Calgary where up to 600 members hailing from every province will eat, drink and socialize, he said.
Among them, he said, will be about 25 members of the club's two Calgary chapters.
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Shuttles will be provided to take attendees to their hotels afterwards 'so nobody drinks and drives,' added the man, who said he's been a full-fledged member for 26 years.
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Police said they'll be closely monitoring 'those attending and ensuring they abide by the law, including the Traffic Safety Act.'
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The Calgary club member said he expects officers to be doing just that, noting the weatherforecast is for rain.
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'They'll likely have hundreds watching the party and good on them – I hope they get wet,' he said.
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Even so, the man said Calgary police tend to be more easygoing with club members compared to those in Winnipeg and Edmonton, the latter who are 'in your face, trying to push your buttons.'
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