Exclusive | Massive pot seizures on illegal smoke shops allegedly made NYC sheriff’s deputies sick

Massive pot seizures on city Sheriff Anthony Miranda’s watch made his deputies ill, according to a federal lawsuit.

Mayor Adams’ war on illegal smoke and cannabis shops, spearheaded by Miranda, saw the sheriff confiscate 600 pounds of marijuana in just under three months, from November 2022 through Jan. 20, 2023.

“However, this operation proved to not only be unlawful, it proved hazardous for deputy sheriffs
and those employees tasked with handling and storing the seized cannabis,” Deputy Sheriff Furney Canteen said in the legal filing.

Many workers “were experiencing significant health issues as a result of handling and storing seized marijuana,” and E. coli, salmonella and lead were found in some of the seized drugs,” the whistleblower said, echoing the words of a former colleague who is also suing the city and Miranda.

“The bosses weren’t the ones who had to ride around in these cars with these hazardous materials,” Canteen, 41, told The Post. He said the substances would leak onto the cloth or carpeting in the vehicles and were “not healthy in high doses and high concentrations.”

The enforcement was done without any training or procedures “on how to confiscate, handle and store the contraband,” he added.

Canteen, of the Bronx, had a stellar career with the city sheriff’s office until Miranda rode into town around May 2022, he said in the Brooklyn Federal Court papers.

He started on the job in December 2013 and was promoted to sergeant in June 2018.

But his career path “changed dramatically” when Miranda was appointed Sheriff, Canteen claimed in the Brooklyn Federal court filing.

From their early interactions, Miranda discriminated against Canteen, who is black, because he was a “non-Latino employee,” Canteen claimed.

Canteen said in the lawsuit he warned Miranda the raids of illegal cannabis were unconstitutional, because they were being conducted “under the guise of tobacco inspections” and the officers also showed up armed, without search warrants.

After he complained, Miranda “orchestrated a litany of retaliatory acts against him,” including isolating him and withholding his pay, Canteen alleged.

He remains with the Sheriff’s office despite butting heads with the now-embattled Miranda.

“I worked hard to get this job. I busted my butt. I don’t plan on going anywhere,” said Canteen, who is again receiving his full pay.

The civil rights suit against the city and Miranda seeks unspecified damages.

“My client blew the whistle because he cared about everyone’s health. Unfortunately, it appears that Sheriff Miranda only cared about himself,” said Canteen’s attorney, Paul Liggieri. 

 “We’ll review the case when served and respond in the litigation,” a spokesman for the city said. Miranda did not return messages.