Philip Morris USA provided backing for a year-long investigation that resulted in seizure of almost 30,000 cartons of counterfeit Marlboro cigarettes on 2 July by Los Angeles authorities, PM USA said in a statement.

The Marlboro manufacturer said it believes Los Angeles is one of the top markets for counterfeit cigarette activity in the US. The operation leading to the seizure of the cigarettes and other counterfeit goods including tax stamps was headed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement officials from several agencies took part in the operation.
“PM USA will continue to combat illicit cigarette sales by supporting law enforcement investigations like these," said Joe Murillo, vice president and associate general counsel for client services at Altria, the parent company of PM USA. (ci)