STATE LEGISLATURE MUST INCREASE FUNDING FOR BUREAU OF NARCOTICS

Frank Melton, the director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, wants his
agency to receive a larger percentage of forfeiture proceeds when MBN and
local agencies conduct joint drug busts.

Melton, who is seeking a 50-50 split - as opposed to the current 20-80
split, with the larger share going to local agencies - plans to argue his
case with legislative leaders.

Melton may have a point. The Legislature needs to reconsider the forfeiture
formula.

However, the bigger issue is state funding for the Bureau of Narcotics.

And, on this score, the Legislature has a dubious and shameful track record.

Lawmakers need to make some significant improvements in their annual budget
appropriations to the drug enforcement agency.

As Gov.-elect Haley Barbour readily pointed out during the recently
concluded gubernatorial campaign, the Legislature reduced MBN's general
budget by 37 percent over the past three years - from $15.3 million in
fiscal 2000 to $9.7 million in 2003.

This is unacceptable.

Moreover, it is inconceivable that the state agency charged with
apprehending drug dealers and reducing the flow of illegal drugs in
Mississippi should be forced to operate with such a paltry annual budget.

Yes, lawmakers should consider amending the percentages of forfeiture
proceeds. Even a split of 30-70 or 40-60 may be preferable to the current
formula.

But beyond that, lawmakers should definitely increase funding for the Bureau
of Narcotics in the general budget.