10 properties searched in Hells Angels investigation

Officers with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) executed 10 search warrants across the province Wednesday morning.

The sweep was part of an ongoing investigation into theHellsAngels motorcycle club.

Seven of the properties searched are in Edmontonincluding the groupsWestridgechapter clubhouse. Other warrants were executedin Acheson,StrathconaCounty andLeduc.

ALERT spokesman Mike Tucker says a number of people associated with the club have been arrested and are facing organized crime charges.

Tucker says the investigation is still in its early stages, with investigators busy cataloguing evidence.

ALERT is made up of police teams who focus on serious and organized crime, typically involving gangs, drug trafficking or child exploitation.

159thStreet shut down

Commuters in west Edmonton faced detours and delays during rush hour after several blocks of159thStreet were shut down as police investigated one of the properties.

Officers with ALERT wore heavy protective gear as they entered the home, located just south of83rdAvenue.

Tucker said the closure was done to keep both the involved officers, as well as members of the public, safe.

Traffic along159thStreet has now reopened.