Wachtel & Masyr, LLP commences lawsuit against Indian tribes for illegal sales of discount cigarettes

On March 20, 2006, Wachtel & Masyr commenced an action on behalf of the well-known Manhattan grocery chain, Gristede's, seeking $20 million in damages and injunctive relief against Long Island Indian tribes the Shinnecock Nation and the Poospatuck tribe. Gristede's alleges that the tribes are illegally selling discounted cigarettes in violation of the federal RICO laws and the federal Lanham Act. The case is pending in the Eastern District of New York.