DRUG LAWS

Melton Has A Point On 'Red Tape'

Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics chief Frank Melton is understandably
frustrated with "red tape" that prevents his agents from busting dangerous
drug labs without first obtaining a search warrant, or running roadblocks
for drugs.

Melton told The Associated Press he would like state laws rewritten. He's
right: there's too much red tape. It's a frustration shared among "the good
guys" seeking to enforce our nation's laws. And it should be removed,
wherever possible.

But rewriting state law will not change protections afforded suspects who,
under the U.S. Constitution, are deemed innocent until proven guilty in a
court of law.

Law enforcers must abide by the law, though law-breakers don't. If law
enforcers break the law, they are outlaws, too.