Senecas respond to cigarette seizure

SENECA NATION (RELEASE) - Statement by President Barry E. Snyder, Sr.

August 10, 2010 Cattaraugus Territory Seneca nation of Indians

"The Seneca Nation of Indians has learned that the New York State Department of Tax and Finance has taken the unprecedented steps of stopping and seizing a vehicle containing cigarettes that were being delivered from one Seneca Nation Territory to another Seneca Nation Territory.

The seized product contained cigarettes that were legally stamped using the Nation's state-of-the-art tracking system under the Nation's comprehensive tobacco regulations. The product was being transported by a Nation-licensed business for delivery to retailers who are also licensed by the Nation.

The Nation does not take lightly this overt act of State aggression against the Nation and its people.

We will weigh all of our options and determine what steps to take to protect and preserve the sovereign rights of the Nation and the Seneca people," said Seneca Nation President Barry E. Snyder, Sr.