An East Orange, New Jersey man has admitted to possessing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine with the intent to distribute them. He also acknowledged possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking activities, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna.
Ibraheem Muhammad, aged 41, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti. The charges include possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Documents filed in the case and court statements reveal that law enforcement had been investigating Muhammad for distributing drugs from an apartment in East Orange. On May 9, 2022, he was arrested after leaving the apartment and allegedly engaging in a drug transaction. Authorities found numerous envelopes suspected to contain heroin on him along with keys to the apartment.
A subsequent search of his residence uncovered controlled substances that tested positive for heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. Various glassine envelopes and other drug packaging paraphernalia were also discovered at the scene. Additionally, authorities recovered approximately $14,000 in cash; a loaded Girsan 9mm semi-automatic handgun; and extra rounds of ammunition.
The charges carry significant penalties: up to 20 years in prison for the drug charge with fines reaching $1 million; up to 10 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm with fines up to $250,000; and a minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment for possessing a firearm during drug trafficking activities with fines reaching $250,000. Sentencing is set for June 24, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under Special Agent L.C. Cheeks Jr., as well as officers from the East Orange Police Department led by Public Safety Director Maurice Boyd.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Farhana C. Melo from Newark's Economic Crimes Unit represents the government in this case.