NCJ Number
187655
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2001 Pages: 46-48
Date Published
January 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examines outlaw motorcycle gangs' involvement in the drug market.
Abstract
The methamphetamine trade has attracted the outlaw biker gangs and has become a lucrative source of income to help them continue involvement in drug manufacture, drug sales, bribery, massage parlors, arson, gun running, legitimate businesses, attacks against rival gang members, and a host of crimes. Motorcycle gangs involved in methamphetamine trafficking are organized and willing to use violence to accomplish their objectives. The gangs have a lot of money and can purchase sensitive law enforcement information. The article recommends never attempting a biker gang contact alone, unless it is an emergency situation. Bikers have been known to audiotape or videotape police contacts and use edited versions to support complaint allegations. Bikers and their bikes may conceal weapons, or even bombing and arson materials for use in wars between rival gangs. The article recommends that law enforcement personnel be familiar with motorcycle gangs operating in their area, try to locate their clubhouse(s), and be aware of counter surveillance.