In a series of coordinated police raids, government enforcement actions, civil suits and product seizures this week, Republic Tobacco LP made clear to its customers of legitimate TOP- and JOB-brand cigarette papers, and to all those who seek to illicitly profit by trafficking in counterfeit goods, that it will use all power and resources available to it under the law to prosecute and bring to justice counterfeiters of its products.
These actions, which took place around the country, resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of counterfeit TOP and JOB cigarette papers, and other allegedly counterfeit goods. In conjunction with these police raids, Republic also filed civil actions seeking monetary and punitive damages and injunctive relief from those who traffic in counterfeit goods and who have profited from their sale and distribution.
Republic continues to work closely with both federal and state law enforcement authorities and police departments to prosecute criminally and punish those who would knowingly traffic in counterfeit cigarette papers. On May 14, 2019 DeKalb County, Georgia Sheriff’s Police executed search warrants on three wholesalers and retailers who were allegedly trafficking in counterfeit goods, resulting in substantial criminal and civil seizures.
Republic has filed lawsuits against wholesalers and retailers trafficking in counterfeit goods in states throughout the country, with additional actions forthcoming. We have also filed actions against foreign nationals selling counterfeit goods at trade shows, and we monitor trade shows for the proliferation and marketing of counterfeit products.
Republic’s commitment to fighting counterfeiting is ongoing. We have engaged private investigators around the country who coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs, the U.S. Marshall Service and local law enforcement where available, and we will continue to do so as we strive to remove these potentially dangerous and misleading products from U.S. markets.
“We value your business and loyalty and will continue protecting Republic’s brands and your sales of our legitimate products,” the company said in a statement. “If you have any information relating to the importation, distribution or sale of counterfeit versions of our products, we welcome hearing from you.”
