MBN CHIEF: SOME DRUG USERS GET 2ND CHANCE

Bureau of Narcotics Director Frank Melton says he is taking an
unconventional approach to his job, giving some young drug users a chance
to straighten out their lives rather than face criminal charges.

"There's a big gap between what's legal and what's right," Melton said
Tuesday to The Associated Press staff in Jackson.

He said the illegal trade of methamphetamine, crack and other illegal drugs
has reached a crisis, putting people's lives in danger.

"I'm going to do what I think is in the best interest of the people of the
state of Mississippi, and if y'all get tired of that, get you somebody
else," said Melton, who spoke as part of AP's periodic series of meetings
with newsmakers.

Melton said that while young people trapped by drugs could get a chance to
get back on the right path, those who sell illegal drugs can expect very
different treatment - arrest and jail time.

Melton, 52, is a former television executive known for his blunt editorials
about drugs and crime. He had no law enforcement experience when Gov.
Ronnie Musgrove tapped him to lead the Bureau of Narcotics in December.

After the state Senate confirmed Melton Feb. 28, he completed Drug
Enforcement Agency training in Quantico, Va.

Melton said Tuesday that MBN agents are trying to help three or four
Jackson teenagers straighten out their lives after they were caught with
marijuana. He said some are high school seniors.

"I didn't put those kids in jail. I put them on Plan B," Melton said.

He said under "Plan B," MBN agents check on the young people at odd hours
to make sure they're attending school and are at home when they're supposed
to be.

"I've taken away the possibility of them having a criminal record at 17
years old trying to start their lives off," Melton said.

"Now, I have told the kids - and this is not legal but I'm going to
continue to do it - that if they don't finish high school, that if they're
not enrolled in somebody's college in August, I will pull those charges
back up and I will prosecute them," he said.

In a separate interview later, a member of the state Senate Judiciary
Committee said Melton needs to abide by state laws.

"While I support any unconventional means that will help stamp out the drug
problem, I do expect our bureau chief to be legal and to follow the law,"
said Sen. Robert Chamberlin, R-Hernando.