NEWARK, N.J. — A convicted felon from East Orange admitted Tuesday to drug trafficking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his operation, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.
Ibraheem Muhammad, 41, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to charges of possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Muhammad was arrested on May 9, 2022, after law enforcement observed him exiting his residence and engaging in a suspected drug transaction. Authorities found numerous envelopes of heroin in his possession, along with keys to his residence, which led to a subsequent search. Inside, officers discovered heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, drug packaging materials, approximately $14,000 in cash, and a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
The drug charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while the firearm possession charge has a maximum sentence of 10 years. Possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking carries a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison. Muhammad is scheduled for sentencing on June 24, 2025.