Another Round in Antitrust Tobacco Case

BUFFALO (CN) - In a federal antitrust case, a tobacco wholesaler claims Philip Morris and the New York Attorney General conspired to punish it for selling unstamped cigarettes to Indian tribes. Milhelm Attea & Bros. claims that virtually all of its business is with tribes, and New York can't enforce state tax laws on reservations.

Milhelm Attea says it's one of the largest cigarette wholesalers in New York, with $192 million in annual revenue; 98% of its business is with Indian tribes.

This litigation is a continuation of a long-running dispute. Milhelm Attea claims Philip Morris and New York are coercing it into doing business only with manufacturers and importers participated in the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. It demands punitive damages. It is represented by Joseph Zdarsky.

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