Four were members of the Manitoba Hells Angels chapter. former presidents Ernie Dew and Dale Donovan.Manitoba an open market for drug trafficking

31 people were arrested in Project Defence in February 2006 and Project Drill last December. Four were members of the Manitoba Hells Angels chapter. They include former presidents Ernie Dew and Dale Donovan. There has been speculation the shakeup created by the undercover projects, orchestrated by the Manitoba integrated organized crime task force, led to a struggle for control within the province's drug trade. There has been instability and gang-related violence in Thompson, including homicides and shootings. Sgt. Pat Olson, an RCMP officer with the province's integrated gang intelligence unit, said some gangs see Manitoba as an open market for drug trafficking.