Fort McMurray… Members of the Tribal and Syndicate outlaw motorcycle groups were arrested in Fort McMurray following an ALERT drug trafficking investigation. Tribal and Syndicate are support clubs for the Hells Angels.
ALERT Fort McMurray’s organized crime and gang team made the arrests on February 15, 2017 with the assistance of Wood Buffalo RCMP. Tribal member Darren Paulson, 49, and Red Deer Syndicate member Thomas George, 28, have been charged. Both men reside in Fort McMurray.
Tribal and Syndicate both have established chapters in Fort McMurray and are amongst the approximately two dozen Hells Angels support clubs operating throughout Alberta. Syndicate’s presence in Fort McMurray dates back to 2009, while Tribal was first seen in the area in November 2016.
As result of the investigation, two homes were searched and the following items were seized:
- Loaded 9mm handgun with the serial number removed;
- 40 rounds of ammunition;
- 40 grams of cocaine;
- 10 grams of psilocybin mushrooms;
- Several Tribal vests, or cuts.
Paulson has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition, possession of a firearm obtained by crime, tampering with a firearm serial number, and possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order.
George has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance.
A female associate was also charged. Lynn Cardinal-Storey, 55, is charged with possession of a controlled substance.
Anyone with information concerning this investigation is encouraged to contact Fort McMurray’s dedicated gang tipline at 780-788-GANG.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.