COLLEGE SENIOR CHARGED WITH DRUG POSSESSION

A Bates College senior was charged with drug possession after he picked up
a package mailed from the Czech Republic containing 98 tablets of the drug
Ecstasy, authorities said yesterday.

Steven Effron, 21, of Redding, Conn., appeared in U.S. District Court
yesterday and was released on $10,000 bail. His parents agreed to act as
his custodians, U.S. Attorney Paula Silsby said.

Less than three weeks before he was set to graduate, Effron was arrested at
the Lewiston, Maine, Post Office Wednesday when he picked up the package.

Drug agents, customs officials and postal inspectors had been tracking the
package for several days, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Toby Dilworth. It
was first learned that the package contained the illegal methamphetamine
when customs officials inspected it at JFK Airport in New York, Dilworth said.

Instead of seizing the package, investigators conducted what they call a
"controlled delivery." When the package arrived at the post office several
agents were waiting for someone to claim it. Effron was arrested as he
walked away from the pickup counter in the post office lobby.

Effron was charged with possession with intent to distribute Ecstasy.
Officials at the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency's Lewiston office said the
pills sell for between $20 and $30 apiece.

No other arrests were made, but federal agents were investigating the
source of the illegal drugs. Although drug officials say there are plenty
of meth labs in the United States, it is not unusual for people to seek
suppliers in other parts of the world. "Most of the labs are overseas,"
Dilworth said. "A lot of it comes from Europe."

Last year, Effron was one of three Bates students who went to the Czech
Republic as part of an international educational exchange, according to
Bates Off-Campus Study Program records.

It was not known if Effron will be allowed to graduate with his class June 4.

"Obviously, this arrest will be investigated by the dean of students," said
Bryan McNulty, director of college relations. "Any disciplinary action
taken will be kept confidential."

If convicted, Effron faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
He is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court for a probable cause
hearing June 5, the day after the Bates commencement.