State battles KBIC for alleged tobacco violations

BARAGA — A local Native American community is taking action after criminal warrants were issued against two members in connection to what tribal leaders are calling ‘wrongful seizures’ of tobacco products destined for tribal territory.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community officials say the state issued the warrants against two of its members for alleged violations of the Michigan Tobacco Products Tax Act. Those warrants are based on the seizure of cigarettes last December, which tribal officials say were manufactured on Indian country and intended to be sold in Indian country.

The KBIC filed a civil complaint in Federal Court regarding this seizure and will – at least for now – be selling tobacco products bearing a Michigan tax stamp.

The Tribe is also preparing to manufacture and sell cigarettes on trust lands along with the L’Anse reservation. All the revenue from these sales will contribute to KBIC member benefits.