Hell Block 6... Sentenced to Death

Numerous police and international intelligence agencies classify the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club as a motorcycle gang and contend that members carry out widespread violent crimes, including drug dealing, trafficking in stolen goods, gunrunning, extortion, and prostitution rings. Members of the organization have continuously asserted that they are only a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who have joined to ride motorcycles together, to organize social events such as group road trips, fundraisers, parties, and motorcycle rallies, and that any crimes are the responsibility of the individuals who carried them out and not the club as a whole.With over 300 members statewide, the Hells Angels are the most significant motorcycle gang in California in terms of membership and criminal activity. The club has a significant role in the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, and in other illegal enterprises. The West Coast faction of the HAMC has also been especially active in the infiltration of legitimate businesses, including motorcycle and automobile services, catering operations, bars, restaurants, and antique stores. Additionally, the California Hells Angels have associated in criminal ventures with the Aryan Brotherhood and the Nazi Lowriders. A 1990 review by the California Department of Justice determined that the 215 members of fourteen Hells Angels chapters in the state had been arrested an average of 10.4 times each, in a total of 2,202 charges – most commonly, narcotics violations, assault, weapons violations, burglary and robbery. The offenders' crimes generally escalated after they gained membership of the club.