EON

According to reports, Philip Morris USA is suing ten New York and New Jersey retailers for the alleged sale of fake Marlboro cigarettes.

Philip Morris USA, a division of Altria, is demanding retailers pay over any profit made from the counterfeit cigarettes as well as damages and legal fees.

The Richmond, Va. company is also asking courtys to ban the products.

he company says the New York area is fertile for cigarette smugglers because of high taxes. In New York City, a pack of Marlboro cigarettes can cost more than $10.

Philip Morris is the largest tabacoo company in the United States with $9-billion in profit in 2008.