Red Deer… Members of a Red Deer outlaw motorcycle club have been charged with drug trafficking offences following a lengthy ALERT investigation.
Project Rocker was a two-year investigation by ALERT Red Deer’s organized crime team into the suspected drug trafficking activities of the Syndicate outlaw motorcycle club. Syndicate is a support club of the Hells Angels.
Project Rocker concluded on April 30, 2019, after three suspects were arrested. An estimated $350,000 worth of drugs was seized, along with firearms, motorcycles, and cash.
Three Red Deer homes were searched and the following items were seized:
ALERT alleges that members of the club were involved in an extensive drug trafficking network that operated in the Red Deer area. Casey Chapin and Joel Befus are both full patch members of the support club and have been charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine, along with a range of other offences. Bailey Chapin, a 29-year-old woman, was also charged.
Support clubs are typically utilized to carry out lower-level dirty work for the Hells Angels, such as drug trafficking and expanding territory to secondary markets. The Nomads chapter of the Hells Angels is based in Red Deer.
Project Rocker utilized a number of police investigative techniques and strategies, with the investigation beginning in April 2017. ALERT received assistance from Red Deer RCMP, Innisfail RCMP, and Alberta Sheriffs surveillance team.
Casey Chapin, 33, is charged with:
Joel Befus, 32, is charged with:
Bailey Chapin, 29, is charged with:
Both Casey and Bailey Chapin were released on bail after their initial court appearances. Befus was also released on bail with numerous conditions.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
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 Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
The work we do is about our communities, and that’s why we recognize that residents can be instrumental in tackling serious crime. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, or you suspect criminal activity, please reach out. Your information will remain strictly confidential.
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