Project Bombard, an extensive organized crime investigation by RCMP NL, has concluded with the latest convictions including organized crime offences by members of the Vikings Motorcycle Club (MC), a support club for the Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. This is the first time RCMP NL has laid such charges.
"These convictions under the criminal organization legislation are significant on a provincial and national level," said Inspector Stefan Thoms, RCMP NL Federal Serious and Organized Crime. "The Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang uses numerous support clubs throughout the country to facilitate criminal activity for them, including the Vikings MC, in order to distance themselves from the activity. Not only did Project Bombard dismantle the Vikings here in Newfoundland Labrador, these convictions establish the Vikings MC as a criminal organization and should send a very clear message that the RCMP will not tolerate their unlawful actions. The RCMP will continue its work to ensure the Hells Angels do not gain a foothold in this province."
Currently, Newfoundland and Labrador is one of few provinces in Canada which do not have an established Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.
Multiple individuals who were brought before the court on charges stemming from Project Bombard have all been convicted, with the most recent convictions and sentencing of the following three individuals:
Vincent Leonard Sr, age 65 – 5.5 years, lifetime firearms prohibition, DNA order, fine in lieu* of $33,500
- Participation in Activities of Criminal Organization Sec. 467. 11 Criminal Code (CC)
- Commission of Offence for Criminal Organization Sec 467.12 CC
- Trafficking in Controlled Drug or Substance (oxycodone) Sec. 5.1 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) – two counts
- Trafficking in Controlled Drug or Substance (cannabis resin) Sec. 5.1 CDSA
- Trafficking in Controlled Drug or Substance (cocaine) Sec. 5.1 CDSA
- Possessing Property Obtained by Crime (over $5000) Sec. 355(a) CC
Wayne Joseph Johnson, age 64 – 5 years, lifetime firearms prohibition, DNA order, fine in lieu* of $48,800
- Participation in Activities of Criminal Organization Sec. 467.11 CC
- Trafficking in Controlled Drug or Substance (cocaine) s. 5.1 CDSA - two counts
- Possession of Property Obtained By Crime (over $5000) s. 355(a) CC
James Percy Curran, age 59 – 3.5 years, lifetime firearms prohibition, fine in lieu* of $48,100
- Trafficking in Controlled Drug or Substance (cocaine) Sec. 5.1 CDSA
- Trafficking in Controlled Drug or Substance (fentanyl) Sec. 5.1 CDSA
- Possession Property Obtained By Crime (over $5000) Sec. 355(a) CC
Project Bombard began with the murder of Dale Porter in North River on June 29, 2014, who died as a result of multiple stab wounds. On March 8, 2019, Allan Winfield Potter was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Porter and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.
RCMP NL Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit targets criminal activity involving national security, transnational and serious organized crime, including Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, and cyber crime throughout the entire province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
*Fine imposed in the amount of monies received during drug trafficking transactions. If the fine is not paid within five years of release from incarceration, an additional year of incarceration must be served, as per the order of the court.