The Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the Oklahoma Tax Commission are battling in federal court over tobacco taxes.

The tribe filed suit last week after tax agents seized over $100,000 worth of cigarettes that were bound for tribal retailers. The tribe contends the search violated its constitutional rights.

The state claims authority to stop any vehicles that might be carrying contraband cigarettes. The state says the tribe is selling tobacco without proper tax stamps.

Judge Terence Kern asked the state not to go after the tribe until he can rule on the lawsuit. He wants both sides to submit more briefs before ruling on a preliminary injunction sought by the tribe.

Get the Story:
Seized cigarettes pit tribe against tax commission (The Tulsa World 5/21)

Related Stories:
Muscogee Nation cigarettes confiscated by state (5/14)