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Creek Nation sues state over tobacco sales

By The Associated Press

Story Published: Feb 3, 2010

Story Updated: Feb 2, 2010

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – The Muscogee Creek Nation is suing the state of Oklahoma for its alleged unlawful interference with the tribe’s tobacco sales.

The lawsuit filed Jan. 11 in federal court in Muskogee says a change in the state’s tax code hinders the tribe’s ability to buy and ship cigarettes made by other tribes’ tobacco manufacturers. Tribal officials are asking the court to rule that the state can’t enforce the tax code.

The changes require tribal smokeshops that don’t have a tobacco sales agreement to purchase tobacco from a state-licensed wholesaler. The Creek Nation owns a tobacco wholesale company in Okmulgee, and hasn’t had a compact with the state since 2005.

The Attorney General’s office, which represents the state in lawsuits, couldn’t immediately be reached for comment Jan. 29.

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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