Quebec: 18 arrested in crackdown on violent clashes between drug dealers, outlaw motorcycle gangs

PTC Web Desk: A series of violent clashes between independent drug dealers and an outlaw motorcycle gang in Quebec has led to a total of 18 arrests, as the authorities work to quell the escalating criminal activities. The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) initially announced nine arrests on Saturday, followed by an additional five, bringing the total to 14 by Sunday afternoon.

The incidents include a hostage-taking event involving Hells Angels members in Saint-Malachie, Chaudière-Appalaches region. Two 36-year-old men from Sept-Îles and Quebec City were arrested in connection with these events. The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on organised crime activities in the region.

On Sunday, four persons appeared in court in Quebec City facing various charges. David Marceau-Morin, a 36-year-old from Quebec City, was charged with aggravated assault, kidnapping, and forcible confinement. William Monger Gagnon, a 26-year-old from Sept-Îles, faced charges of aggravated assault, forcible confinement, and possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm. Dereck Morin-Martel, 22, was charged with failing to comply with conditions of a release order.

Additionally, Karl Horkheimer Pierre appeared in court on Sunday morning, facing charges of attempting to cause death and discharging a firearm. The charges highlight the severity and complexity of the criminal activities under investigation.

The Quebec City police (SPVQ) also made four arrests on Sunday morning related to violence between criminal groups. The SPVQ's MALSAIN project, aimed at addressing increased violence linked to drug trafficking, conducted the operation in collaboration with the tactical intervention squad and the Sûreté du Québec.

Three men and a woman, in the 35-40 age group, were arrested, with three men appearing in court on Sunday afternoon. Jean-François Dion, 37, faced charges of possession of ammunition while prohibited. James Célestin, 40, and David Marceau-Maillefert, 35, were charged with aggravated assault, kidnapping, and unlawful confinement.

During subsequent searches in Beauport and Lac-aux-Sables in collaboration with the Sûreté du Québec, the authorities seized a ballistic vest, masks, ammunition, narcotics, three cellphones, a drill with blood on it, and $1,500 in cash. These findings underline the gravity of the situation and the concerted efforts by law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks and curb the surge in violence associated with drug trafficking in the region.

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