Three smoke shops on the Poospatuck Reservation in New York were raided on Thursday as part of an investigation into counterfeit cigarettes, Newsday reports.

The businesses were selling fake Marlboro cigarettes, a Philip Morris spokesperson said. Some 300 cartons were seized after a federal judge approved the raid.

The case is separate, but related, to the one that accuses the Poospatuck smoke shops of selling untaxed cigarettes. A federal judge ordered the retailers to stop selling tobacco products to non-Indians until the dispute can be resolved.

The smoke shops operate independent of the Unkechaug Indian Nation, a state-recognized tribe, but Chief Harry Wallace supports their right to do business on the reservation.

Get the Story:
3 smoke shops on Mastic Indian reservation raided (Newsday 8/28)

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