Judgment vacated, on the law, without costs or disbursements, determination confirmed and proceeding dismissed on the merits.
Since petitioner contends that the determination of the respondent, made after a hearing, was not supported by substantial evidence, the matter should have been transferred to this court for determination in the first instance (CPLR 7804, subd [g]). The case having finally reached this court, we treat it as though it had been properly transferred and dispose of all the issues de novo ( Matter of Kincaide v Coughlin, 86 A.D.2d 893, app dsmd 57 N.Y.2d 682, and authorities cited therein).
We have examined the record under review, determine that there was sufficient evidence of a chain of custody therein and find the determination to be supported by substantial evidence (see 300 Gramatan Ave. Assoc. v State Div. of Human Rights, 45 N.Y.2d 176, 180-182). The other issues raised by petitioner have been reviewed and have been found to be without merit. Niehoff, J.P., Boyers, Lawrence and Eiber, JJ., concur.