Biker buddies busted
By Jeremy Zafran The Suburban Quebec Canada March 25, 2026
https://www.thesuburban.com/news/biker-buddies-busted/article_710389b7-e89b-436a-9f76-a409b0b887e8.htm
Three people were arrested Wednesday in connection with an alleged drug trafficking network tied to the Hells Angels, as police continue a multi-phase investigation that began more than three years ago.
Officers with the Montérégie Integrated Regional Squad (ERM – l’Escouade régionale mixte, Montérégie) carried out the arrests as part of what authorities describe as the second phase of a broader crackdown targeting organized crime in the region. The first phase, conducted on Dec. 16, resulted in the arrest of 13 individuals.
Those arrested Wednesday were identified by police as Charli Alarie-Gagnon, 31, of Abercorn; Jonathan Chartrand-Vizien, 36, of Saint-Jean-Baptiste; and Matthieu Meilleur-Turgeon, 37, of Beloeil. All three were scheduled to appear by videoconference later in the day at the Saint-Hyacinthe courthouse, where they are expected to face charges related to drug trafficking.
Police say the arrests stem from an extensive investigation launched in December 2022 that has involved multiple enforcement actions over the past two years. As part of that effort, four phases of searches were conducted in May and June 2024 by the “Montérégie Regional Enforcement Team.”
Authorities did not immediately release details about the substances involved or the scale of the alleged trafficking operation. However, investigators say the network is believed to have connections to organized crime groups operating in Quebec.
The ERM, which led Wednesday’s operation, is part of a province-wide model that brings together officers from various police services to coordinate efforts against criminal organizations. The squads are designed to pool intelligence, manpower, and specialized resources to improve the effectiveness of investigations that cross municipal and regional boundaries.
In this case, the investigation drew on support from several units of the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), as well as assistance from other police forces. Officials say such collaboration is key to dismantling networks that often operate across jurisdictions and rely on complex distribution systems.
Police described Wednesday’s arrests as a significant step, but emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. Additional phases are expected as authorities continue to gather evidence and pursue other individuals who may be linked to the network.
The ERM model has been increasingly used across Quebec in recent years as law enforcement agencies respond to evolving organized crime activities, including drug trafficking, which remains a major source of revenue for criminal groups.
Anyone with information related to drug trafficking or organized crime activities is urged to contact authorities. Police say tips from the public can play an important role in advancing investigations and disrupting illegal networks.
No further details were released Wednesday, and authorities say more information may be made available as court proceedings unfold.
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