WOONSOCKET, R.I. (AP) - The purported leader of a Rhode Island motorcycle gang has been held without bail after his arraignment on more than 220 charges.
Deric McGuire was arraigned Thursday, the first of more than four dozen alleged gang members arrested Wednesday.
Authorities say McGuire is the leader of the Rhode Island Pagans.
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McGuire did not enter a plea and it couldn’t immediately be determined who represents him.
State police said search warrants were executed in 29 municipalities, along with four in Massachusetts.
The raids resulted in the seizure of 53 guns and large amounts of heroin, marijuana and cocaine.
According the police, the raids involved the use of explosives to breach fortified buildings.
State Police Col. Ann Assumpico says the raids were the result of a yearlong investigation called Operation Patched Out.
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