Police conducted a major raid on the Hells Angels motorcycle club in Eskilstuna, Sweden on Saturday evening. The operation targeted the club's central location during a large gathering.
Authorities deployed the National Task Force to the address in this city west of Stockholm. Police confirmed the operation but denied reports of gunfire in the area.
"The National Task Force conducted a raid on an address in Eskilstuna," said regional command officer Linus Maxe. "We received some calls about suspected shooting, but I can deny that immediately. No such incident occurred."
When asked about sounds witnesses reported, Maxe suggested people might have confused police equipment for gunfire. He declined to specify what methods officers used during the operation.
"My assessment is that this raid proceeded calmly and in a controlled manner," Maxe stated.
Police would not comment on what criminal suspicions prompted the search warrant. The operation remained ongoing with substantial resources deployed to the scene.
"Since this involves Hells Angels, it requires considerable resources and that the operation is conducted properly," said duty regional command officer Dick Steisjö.
The heavy police presence reflects ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in Sweden. Motorcycle gangs like Hells Angels have been involved in criminal activities across the country for decades, making them regular targets for law enforcement operations.
Police raids on clubhouses typically aim to gather evidence of drug trafficking, weapons offenses, or other serious crimes. The use of specialized units like the National Task Force indicates authorities considered this a high-risk operation requiring tactical expertise.