Philip Morris USA sues NY, NJ retailers over counterfeit Marlboros

Philip Morris USA sues over counterfeit Marlboros

RICHMOND, Va. — Philip Morris USA is accusing 10 New York and New Jersey retailers of selling counterfeit Marlboro cigarettes.

The nation’s largest tobacco company announced the federal lawsuits against the retailers Thursday.

The company says the New York area is fertile for cigarette smugglers because of high taxes. In New York City, a pack of Marlboro cigarettes can cost more than $10.

Philip Morris is asking the courts to ban retailers from selling the product and turn over profits from the cigarettes, along with punitive damages and attorney’s fees.

Philip Morris is a unit of Altria Group Inc., which is based in Richmond, Va.