Pubdate: Tue, 11 Nov 2003 Source: Hattiesburg American (MS) Copyright: 2003 Hattiesburg American Contact: http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1646 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh