A judge in New York refused to return $550,000 in tobacco products that were seized from the Cayuga Nation.

The tribe sought the return of 17,600 cartons of cigarettes and other tribal property after an appellate division court ruled that the items were seized illegally but authorities in Cayuga and Seneca counties.

The counties have taken the case to the New York Court of Appeals, the state's highest court. The judge said he wouldn't return the cigarettes until the appeal is resolved.

Get the Story:
Court refuses to return seized cigarettes to Cayuga Nation (The Auburn Citizen 8/27)

New York Appellate Division Decision:
Cayuga Nation v. Gould (July 10, 2009)

New York Supreme Court Decision:
Cayuga Nation v. Gould (December 9, 2008)

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