A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN STATEMENT ON DISTRICT COURT DECISION IN UPS CIGARETTE CASE

New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman released the following statement, responding to today’s decision by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in his lawsuit against United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) for unlawfully shipping contraband cigarettes:

“Today’s decision is a win for New York and a win for public health.

“We’re very pleased that the Court agreed with us on all claims, finding that UPS has repeatedly violated numerous state and federal contraband cigarette trafficking laws – as well as its own agreement with the State – by shipping hundreds of thousands of cartons of cigarettes to consumers in New York.

“Smoking is the number one preventable public health crisis; but to address it, we must stop the flow of illegal cigarettes – especially to our kids.

“I thank NYC Corporation Counsel Zach Carter and the Law Department for their partnership on this case, and look forward to continuing to work together to protect New Yorkers.”

The lawsuit was filed jointly by the State of New York and the City of New York in February 2015.