Man arrested in police raid on Trois-Rivières Hells Angels hideout

The Surete du Quebec, or Quebec Provincial Police patch, is seen at a news conference in Quebec City on February 29, 2024. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)

A Trois-Rivières, Que., Hells Angels hideout was the target of a major police operation in Hérouxville, Mauricie.

Around 90 officers were mobilised Friday evening for a raid targeting violent crimes and drug trafficking.

“The searches are related to various events in recent weeks and months, such as shootings on Rang St-Pierre in Hérouxville. These violent offences are inherent to the trafficking and distribution of narcotics and conflicts over royalties that are rife throughout Quebec,” said a news release from the Mauricie Regional Joint Force (ERM).

Police found 16 people at the scene, including an armed 67-year-old man who was arrested. He was held in custody pending his scheduled appearance at the Shawinigan courthouse on Saturday.

Police searched three vehicles and the entire property, consisting mainly of two buildings. They seized a rifle, firearm ammunition, methamphetamine tablets and clothing and jewellery with Hells Angels branding. Hells Angels jackets were also among the seized items.

Those apprehended at the scene are all men aged between 27 and 71. They are “members in good standing” of the Trois-Rivières Hells Angels, as well as “prospects” and members of Hells Angels support clubs.

A spokesperson for the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), Éloïse Cossette, stressed that the Mauricie region is not immune from violence and drug trafficking.

“The goal of the investigation is to put an end to the activities of people who engage in acts of violence,” she said.

Friday's searches are believed to be linked to several violent episodes during which gunshots and bangs were heard on Rang Saint-Pierre, in Hérouxville, in December 2023, September 2024 and at the beginning of 2025.

The operation involved officers from the Mauricie Regional Joint Task Force (ER), the National Organized Crime Enforcement Team (ENRCO), the Organized Crime Intervention Team (OCIT), intelligence officers, crime scene technicians, firearms specialists, dog handlers and the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) Emergency Response Team (ERT).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French Jan. 11, 2025.