TYLER DRUG AGENTS RETURN

TYLER - All but one narcotics agent accused of wrongdoing in this
East Texas city have been reinstated by the police chief, clearing the
way for trials to proceed in some Smith County drug cases.

The agents' methods, which included paying middlemen with drugs in an
effort to protect undercover officers' identities, had come into question.

Earlier, three Smith County narcotics agents were reinstated. Three of
four Tyler police officers have now been cleared to return to their
jobs.

As many as 25 cases will continue to be on hold until further reviews
are completed, said David Dodds, Smith County's top assistant
prosecutor. That number is likely to increase, he said.