The retailers named in the lawsuits filed in the Eastern District of New York are Calvin's Smokes, Mastic, N.Y., and Bright Eye Smokes, Mastic, N.Y.
Earlier last week, a federal judge in New York granted PM USA's request for emergency relief including the ability to search [image-nocss] the smoke shops for counterfeit Marlboro cigarettes.
This lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits by PM USA aimed at combating the sale of counterfeit Marlboro cigarettes in New York. Since May 2009, PM USA has filed lawsuits against 48 retailers in New York for selling counterfeit Marlboro cigarettes, including six other Poospatuck retailers.
Counterfeit cigarettes continue to flow through the Poospatuck reservation despite legislation, litigation, law enforcement actions and media attention.
"The sale of counterfeit and contraband cigarettes results in significant lost revenue for the State and City in a time when these additional funds are sorely needed," said Joe Murillo, vice president and associate general counsel for Altria Client Services, speaking on behalf of PM USA. "Philip Morris USA will continue to combat illicit cigarette sales by supporting law enforcement investigations and pursuing litigation."
"The sale of counterfeit cigarettes undermines the value of Philip Morris USA's brands and the legitimate channels through which our products are distributed and sold," said Murillo. "Selling counterfeit cigarettes is illegal, and we will take appropriate action to protect our brands."
Richmond, Va.-based Philip Morris USA is an operating company of Altria Group Inc.
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