Killer designer drug Ecstasy has been netted in a massive Police raid on a nightclub.

Tablets of the drug -- responsible for a rash of deaths across the UK and US -- was part of the haul in a drugs squad raid on the controversial Escape Night Club in Hamilton's Par-La-Ville Road.

And last night King Edward VII Memorial Hospital emergency doctor David Krelle warned that Ecstasy can kill. He said: "It would be a worrying thing if it was to become popular in Bermuda.'' And he added: "Young people should be taught that, like other illegal drugs, it's dangerous.'' Ecstasy, which spread from the UK rave scene in the 1980s, was originally seen as a smart drug with few side-effects -- until a series of deaths were logged among youngsters.

Around 40 of the tablets were seized by Police in Sunday's early morning raid on the nightclub -- which is unlicensed, so it can stay open late and allow under-18s in.

A Police spokesman added: "A quantity of cannabis, cases of beer and open bottles of spirits were also seized from the non-alcoholic juice bar.'' Five men aged between 19 and 32 were arrested and charged with various drugs offences, including possession and intent to supply.

Dr. Krelle said: "I would never tell anyone it's harmless -- it can cause very high body temperatures, convulsions and brain damage.'' He added that some people appeared to be more susceptible to problems with the rave drug than others.

But he warned: "It's only been around for about ten years. The long-term side-effects still haven't been worked out. I certainly would discourage anyone from taking it.'' Warnings about Ecstasy And he said: "If you take a lot of it, it doesn't do your brain any good.'' Dr. Krelle said: "I haven't seen anyone here who seems to have taken Ecstasy -- it doesn't appear to be common and I hope it doesn't become common.'' The rave scene in the UK was characterised by high-energy, high volume electronic dance music.

Alcohol was generally frowned on -- and no drinks licences meant younger people were attracted to events.

Youngsters, however, took Ecstasy, called E, doves or disco-biscuits, instead -- with sometimes fatal results.

According to Police, tablets of the drug are believed to sell for between $30 and $50 on the streets.

The pills nabbed in the raid are now being examined by scenes-of-crime officers and the Government analyst.

A joint uniform/undercover operation sealed off Par-La-Ville Road at both ends around 3 a.m. -- just before a team of officers moved in to the club.

Club chief Paul DeCouto last night said the club had a zero tolerance for any drugs.

He said: "We totally take a stance against drugs -- I don't want anything like that happening in my establishment.'' But he added tablets like Ecstasy -- unlike marijuana or heroin -- were hard to spot in use because there was no smell or equipment required.

And he added: "We don't play rave music -- we play house music and dance music.'' Mr. DeCouto said that the alcohol had been used for a private party a week ago -- and had a licence to prove that.

He added that the drinks had been left to one side of the non-alcohol bar and covered up for another private event due to be held at the weekend by the same person.

Mr. DeCouto said he had already met with senior Police officers to discuss security.

And he added: "What I'm going to do is a `members' only' policy -- we will know who our members are and if they do get caught doing anything illegal, they'll lose their membership for good.

"We will put it in our rules that, if you come in, you may be searched, in as far as we can do that legally. If people aren't prepared to submit to searches, they won't get in.'' Mr. DeCouto said: "The Police are also welcome to come in -- with or without a search warrant -- to look around.''