Bacchus bikers charged after clubhouse raid

Three members of the Bacchus Outlaw Motorcycle Club found themselves in court Friday, facing some serious charges after a series of police raids in Nova Scotia this week.

Yesterday, police raided four locations, including the Bacchus Clubhouse located in a remote area of Nine Mile River.

They also executed search warrants at homes on Renfrew Road and Elmwood Road in Dartmouth, and at a home on Dyke Road in Grand Desert.

Police say they seized vests displaying Bacchus rocker panels, small quantities of marijuana, steroids, psilocybin (magic mushrooms) as well as a number of computers and cell phones.

“Groups like the Bacchus attempt to portray themselves as simply motorcycle enthusiasts who are unfairly targeted and tainted by the police,” said RCMP Supt. John Ferguson in a statement released Friday.

“Nothing could be further from the truth.”

Police say 45-year-old Patrick James of Dartmouth, 43-year-old Duane Howe of Grand Desert, and 38-year-old David Pearce of Dartmouth are facing charges of Uttering Threats and Intimidation.

“Typically, these organizations lay claim to a certain area, and if someone comes into those areas they take steps to stop that and threats and intimidation are common,” said Ferguson, adding he’s hopeful the raids and resulting arrests will send a message to all biker gangs in the region.

If convicted, the men could face up to five years in prison.

Police say the Bacchus group is one of three motorcycle gangs in Nova Scotia, but it’s not affiliated with the others.

“If you’re talking Hells Angels, then you’re talking two different groups,” Ferguson says.“They may be on friendly terms, but they’re two separate groups.”

The Bacchus Motorcycle Club is one of the largest biker gangs in Canada.

It originated in New Brunswick but has chapters in other provinces.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Rick Grant