Newark man charged with firearm and drug trafficking offenses after posting on social media

NEWARK, N.J. — A Newark man has been charged with firearm and narcotics offenses, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced Friday.

Khalif Irving, 25, also known as “Kah Kah,” faces charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Irving appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court on January 24, 2025, and was ordered detained.

According to court documents, Irving allegedly advertised narcotics for sale on social media and posted photos of firearms. On January 23, law enforcement officers observed him stowing a loaded firearm in a utility box at the Janice Kromer Village apartments. Minutes later, officers recovered the firearm, arrested Irving, and seized suspected narcotics from his possession.

If convicted, Irving faces severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum of five years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and up to life imprisonment for the charges collectively, along with substantial fines.

Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Newark Police Department, and North Bergen Police Department for their efforts in the investigation.

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