MMA event draws gangsters, requires monitoring by special task force
Dozens of people with connections to gangs or organized crime attended a mixed martial arts event in Nanaimo on the…
Dozens of people with connections to gangs or organized crime attended a mixed martial arts event in Nanaimo on the weekend, say police.
Specialized gang task force officers were requested by Nanaimo RCMP to the Battlefield Fight League Invasion 7 MMA event at Frank Crane Arena on Saturday. Police claim the sport is known to attract gangsters.
It is believed to be the first MMA event on Vancouver Island that was attended by the uniformed gang task force, a section under the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit based out of Vancouver.
Police said as many as 50 people associated to gangs or organized crime, specifically outlaw motorcycle groups, were identified at the fights, which drew approximately 2,100 fans from the Island and Vancouver.
Officers were there for violence suppression, to develop intelligence and send a message to gangsters they are being watched. Police have monitored other sporting events but say MMA, which draws a wide fan base but especially younger men, tends to attract people with ties to organized crime.
