THREE CONVICTED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ECSTASY BUST

Three members of a drug ring have been convicted of smuggling nearly 5
million doses of Ecstasy into the country.

The convictions were the latest to stem from a 1999 bust that netted 10
people, including a rave party promoter, and led to the seizure of $2.5
million in cash and about 700 pounds of Ecstasy.

"It was a significant conviction to us because this was the largest group
operating in Southern California," Gary Pinkava, resident U.S. Customs
agent in charge, said Wednesday.

A federal jury in Los Angeles convicted the three suspects Tuesday. A
fourth man was acquitted of drug distribution.

The three face up to 20 years in federal prison when sentenced later this
month.