Settlement reached in NY cigarette seizure

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — Federal authorities and a Native American tribe doing business in upstate New York have reached a settlement over the seizure last year of more than a half-million dollars and more than a million untaxed cigarettes and other tobacco products.

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports the government will keep about half the seized money and the Seneca-Cayuga of Oklahoma tribe has agreed to use its half to restore some jobs lost at the Oklahoma reservation since the litigation began.

The government also will auction much of the seized products and keep 68 percent of the proceeds, with the tribe receiving the rest. Cigarettes the tribe sells in New York now will be stamped, which ensures they’ll be taxed.

The raid was at the Skydancer Smoke Shop in Seneca County.