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The incident took place in Ulster County around 6 p.m., on Wednesday, April 12 on I-87 In Plattekill.
Troopers from the Troop F Community Stabilization Unit were patrolling I-87 in the town of Plattekill when they spotted a 2010 BMW-528i traveling north in violation of numerous traffic laws, said Trooper Steven Nevel.
Troopers stopped the vehicle and identified the operator as Ronny Mata, age 38, from Hollywood, Florida.
While speaking to troopers, Mata told them that he was in possession of Ecstasy (MDMA). Troopers removed the passengers from the vehicle and identified them as Rensselaer County resident Naquon Tucker, age 43, from Troy, New York, and Raul Pena-Barreto, age 37, from the Bronx.
A search of the vehicle with the assistance of K-9 Kell yielded over two kilograms of cocaine, four grams of MDMA, a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun, and more than $4,800 in cash, Nevel said.
Mata, Tucker, and Pena-Barreto were all charged with the felonies:
- Criminal possession of a controlled substance
- Criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell
- Criminal possession of a weapon
Mata was additionally charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance fourth-degree.
Tucker was additionally charged with criminal possession of a weapon third-degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh-degree.
All three were arraigned in Plattekill Town Court in front of Judge Maciocia and remanded to Ulster County Jail without bail.
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