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BIKE GANGS: DRUGS, MONEY, AND THE UNDERWORLD

NCJ Number
147652
Journal
Journal of the Addiction Research Foundation of Ontario Volume: 3 Dated: (February 1, 1987) Pages: 7-10
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report examines the prevalence, characteristics, and criminal activity of outlaw biker gangs in the United States and Canada, as well as their links with traditional organized crime families.
Abstract
In contrast to the popular image of free-wheeling bikers are the actual groups of sophisticated, well-managed, organized criminals that run outlaw motorcycle gangs. A threat to any community in which they reside, the gangs commit crimes as their primary activity, from prostitution, to drug trafficking, to contract murder. Now outlaw motorcycle gangs have reached a new and potentially more dangerous level through national and international activities. Since the gangs discovered methamphetamine and PCP in the early 1970's, they have developed a lucrative market for the manufacture and trafficking of chemical drugs. They have prospered and continue to expand their trade and maximize their profits. Contact between biker gangs and traditional organized crime families have been documented. They frequently act as enforcers in drug trafficking enterprises. More than 800 outlaw motorcycle gangs have been identified in the United States and 65 more are known in Canada. They vary in size from single chapters of 5 to 10 members to worldwide organizations like the California-based Hell's Angels. There are three other major gangs: the Outlaws, the Bandidos, and the Pagans. The Pagans, the one group without international connections, are in decline since law enforcement efforts in 1984-85 resulted in convictions for many of the leaders. There are a variety of other outlaw gangs that pose a serious threat to society: the Warlocks, the Vagos, the Dirty Dozen (Arizona), the Gypsy Jokers (U.S. Pacific Northwest), and the Sons of Silence (Colorado) are a few. Future trends in the evolution of North American outlaw motorcycle gangs are projected.