Police arrest alleged Hells Angels leader at Panama resort hot spot

We've recently upgraded and are working on the site. If you see a problem, please let us know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Latest News Headlines by Category

Police arrest alleged Hells Angels leader at Panama resort hot spot

12 Mar 2012

Details: Written by Globe & Mail; Hits: 735

Authorities in Panama have arrested one of the top-level fugitives accused of executing a bloody Quebec biker war that was won by the Hells Angels but also reinvigorated law enforcement efforts to bring down the gang.

Michel Smith, an alleged leadership figure associated with the Hells Angels, was arrested Friday in Playa Coronado, a resort area on the Pacific coast, according to the Panama National Police.

Investigators in the central American country say he is wanted on 29 charges, including 22 for murder. Mr. Smith, 49, also known as “L’animal” and Michael Lajoie-Smith, among other aliases, faces a quick extradition back to Canada, police officials in Panama said in a news release. The statement released Sunday added that Mr. Smith was captured after a two-month surveillance operation. READ ON