RCMP arrest Hells Angels member from Fredericton

A Fredericton man, identified by RCMPas a full-patch member of the Hells Angels, has been charged with drug and firearmoffences in connection with a joint-police investigation that resulted in a heavy police presence in the city's downtownthis week.

Robin Moulton, 48, was arrested on Tuesday at around 7:20 a.m. while driving on the Trans-Canada Highwaynear Woodstock, RCMP Cpl.JullieRogers-Marsh said late Thursday afternoon.

'Outlaw motorcycle gangs are a national priority for theRCMP.'- JullieRogers-Marsh, RCMPspokesperson

A search of the car led to the seizureof "a quantity" of what is believed to be cocaine, she said.

Police began searching his Fredericton residence on Brunswick Street on Wednesday and remained there into Thursday. Searches are also underway atseveral other locations in New Brunswick, said Rogers-Marsh, without elaborating on where those locations are.

• Police watching for expansion of motorcycle gangs in New Brunswick

Moulton is charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a restricted firearm. The type of firearm has not been released.

He has beenremanded in custody until Friday at 10:30 a.m., when he is to appear in Woodstockcourt to face the charges.

The Service New Brunswickcorporate affairs registry lists a RobinMoultonof 214 Brunswick St., Apt. 201, as the director of Route 81 Maritimes Inc.,the merchandising armof the Hells Angels.

The registration was last updated on Aug. 1, the document shows.

Rogers-Marsh could not say whether police anticipate any other arrests or more charges.

"It's an ongoing investigation and it will depend on the evidence that our members gather," she said.

The investigation is being led by theRCMP,in partnership with the Canadian Border Services Agency and the Saint John, Fredericton, Kennebecasis Regional and Edmundstonpolice forces.

Many groups interconnected

"Outlaw motorcycle gangs are a national priority for the RCMP," said Rogers-Marsh.

She said Moultonis a member of the Hell Angels MC,Nomads New Brunswick chapter, which established in the province last fall.

"Many of these groups and their support clubs are interconnected. They are not restricted by provincial jurisdictions and have national and international associations," said Rogers-Marsh.

"The results of this investigation are an example of our ongoing efforts regarding the Hells Angels Nomads N.B. and other outlaw motorcycle gangs, and why it is so important to deter these crime groups."

Earlier this month, an investigator who runs the RCMP's organized crime task force on P.E.I. said police are watching for signs that motorcyle gangs are trying to expand or gain more control of drug trafficking in New Brunswick.

Cpl. Andy Cook said his unit is concerned about turf wars and violence stemming from the re-emergence of Hells Angels in the Maritimes.

Asked Thursday whether New Brunswick RCMP are concerned about violence erupting between rival motorcycle gangs in the province, Rogers-Marsh said police will continue to monitor the activities of the various groups"to ensure public safety."

Minto homicide victim was Bacchus member

Moulton's arrest comes on the heels of the homicide of a former member of the Bacchus motorcycle club nearMinto.

The body of Ronald Richard, 50, was found on July 23 on a rural property in Hardwood Ridge.

RCMPsaid they do not believe the homicide was randombut have not provided any other details.

Bacchus is a New Brunswick-based club affiliated with the Hells Angels.

Rogers-Marsh declined to comment Thursday on whether there's any indication the two cases are connected.

"That is a separate investigation and it would be inappropriate for us to start speculating," she said.

Richard was charged in December 2014 with possession of drugs, weapons and prohibited weapons.

He was convicted of possession of benzylpiperazine, a drug known as BZP, and possession of marijuana over 30 grams.