WAR AGAINST DRUGS BRINGS THREATS TO RULEVILLE CHIEF

Someone has been threatening the life of Ruleville Police Chief Ronnie
Robinson.

Fortunately for the citizens of Ruleville, Robinson doesn't scare
easily and says he's not backing down.

The police chief has been waging his own war on drugs in the Sunflower
County town, and speculates the threatening phone calls, notes and
rumors around town stem from arrests made in the fight to keep the
streets of Ruleville drug free.

Robinson said most of the crimes that occur in the town are related -
either directly or indirectly - to drugs.

Some examples he gave of crimes often caused indirectly by drugs are
property crimes and domestic violence.

Robinson said several drug dealers have been arrested recently, and
the threats to him and his assistant chief, Larry Mitchell, generally
intensify after an arrest.

The threatening phone calls began in February or March, the chief
said, and have become more frequent as the months have passed.

"The latest rumor is there is a price on my head," Robinson added,
"but we're not stopping."

"We've been very aggressively pursuing the drug dealers," said the
chief. "Apparently it's working, but everybody is not pleased."

Robinson said the dealers manage to be successful in breaking the law
more often than they are caught, but they should not be surprised when
the law does catch up with them.

"Let me have this day," he commented. "Don't be mad about it. You beat
me 364 days.

"We're not slowing down and we're not stopping," the chief added. "If
anything, we will be more aggressive."

Robinson said the threats make him want to work even harder to fight
crime in Ruleville.

"What they've done now is awakened a sleeping giant," he said.

Robinson said some of the threats have been directed at the Ruleville
Police Department in general. He stopped short of saying just what he
would do if anything happened to one of his officers.

"If something happens to one of my officers," Robinson said, "I won't
get any rest. . ."

The chief challenged whoever is making the threats to meet him face to
face.

"Stop being cowards," he said. "If you've got something to say, come
see me.

"If you're man enough to make a threat, be man enough to back it up.
I'm waiting and I will send you back."

The chief added three cars have been confiscated in recent drug
arrests, and the vehicles were set to be auctioned off during a block
party at Ruleville Park on Saturday.

The goal for the sale was $3,000, and the department raised
$4,330.

Robinson said he was excited the goal was exceeded.

He added he hopes the arrests and sale of the vehicles sends a message
that trafficking will not be tolerated in Ruleville. He added this
won't be the last of the auctions of confiscated vehicles, but said he
hopes it will be the beginning of the end and the department will be
able to stop all drug trafficking in Ruleville.

He said proceeds from the sale of the three Chevrolets would be used
to purchase bullet proof vests for the department.

"If we've got death threats, we need to have vests," he reasoned.

Robinson once again challenged those making threats to speak with him
personally.

"I challenge you. I dare you. I beg you. Please come," he said. "I'm
the easiest man in the Delta to find. If they really want me, they can
bring it."