SADDLE BROOK, N.J.—On Monday, Nov. 25, detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force conducted a traffic stop on a 2009 Subaru Tribeca on the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 in Saddle Brook.
During the stop, it was determined that Gregory Alba-Mata, 38, of Passaic, was in possession of a Pennsylvania driver’s license with his photo and the personal identifying information of another individual.
“A search of the vehicle revealed an electronically operated aftermarket hidden compartment in the rear floor,” said Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella in a statement. “A subsequent search of Gregory Alba-Mata’s apartment in Passaic, NJ revealed over two pounds of black tar heroin, approximately four pounds of powder heroin, several hundred fentanyl pills, over five ounces of cocaine, a kilo press, and packaging material consistent with a heroin mill.”
Alba-Mata was arrested in Saddle Brook, and charged with one count of maintaining a drug production facility, a first degree crime; two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, a first degree crime; one count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute Oxycodone, a second degree crime; and one count of identity theft, a fourth degree crime.
Alba-Mata was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack. Bergen County Jail records show he’s still being held and has a federal immigration detainer placed on him. The records list Alba-Mata as a resident of the Dominican Republic. The prosecutor’s office said Alba-Mata had been employed as an Uber driver.
“Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and would like to thank the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Passaic Police Department for their assistance in this investigation,” the BCPO said.