ECSTACY SUSPECT TO REMAIN IN CITY JAIL

VIRGINIA BEACH -- A 31-year-old Israeli man who has overstayed his visa
remained in jail Wednesday on charges that he was attempting to distribute
large quantities of the club drug Ecstasy.

Aliram Hasson withdrew a request for a bond hearing Wednesday. It was the
second time that Hasson, who has been in jail since Jan. 27, has requested
a bond hearing and then changed his mind.

Circuit Judge Thomas S. Shadrick warned him not to try again.

``There won't be anymore bond hearings,'' Shadrick said.

There was little chance that the hearing would have resulted in Hasson's
release. The Immigration and Naturalization Service has put a hold on him
based on his expired visa, according to his attorney, Norfolk lawyer Larry
Cardon.

The INS also has begun deportation proceedings.

Hasson is suspected of distributing a substantial amount of Ecstasy,
although authorities would not say how much.

Hasson is charged with two counts of distributing Ecstasy, one count of
possession and one count of conspiracy to distribute. He also is charged
with reckless driving and driving on a suspended license, said Paula
Miller, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Beach Sheriff's office.

His next court date is March 7, Miller said.

The case is the latest indication that local and federal authorities are
cracking down on those who deal in Ecstasy, a stimulant that has become
popular among young people.

Last month, eight people were charged in Norfolk federal court with selling
$200,000 worth of Ecstasy tablets.

One suspect, a United Parcel Service Inc. employee, runs a production
company that schedules rave parties.

The federal indictment in that case lists at least 12 sales involving 50 to
500 Ecstasy tablets for $900 to $6,000, respectively. The pills, sometimes
called ``Mollies,'' are sold to individuals in clubs and on the street for
$25 or more.