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Essex County Man Sentenced to Nearly 18 Years for Heroin Trafficking
Newark Drug Trafficking Organization Member Faces 210 Months in Prison
NEWARK, N.J. – In a crackdown on drug trafficking in Newark, Furad Loyal, a 42-year-old man from Essex County, has been sentenced to 210 months in prison. This sentencing comes after Loyal's conviction for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over one kilogram of heroin, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Selling.
Loyal, found guilty on May 9, 2023, faced trial before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton, who delivered the sentence on February 21, 2024. The charges against him included conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was acquitted on an additional charge related to firearm possession in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The court documents and trial evidence revealed Loyal's role as a heroin supplier within a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the vicinity of Hayes Street and 14th Avenue, near the New Community Corporation (NCC) in Newark. Loyal and his associates were engaged in selling narcotics, and sharing supplies, proceeds, and customers within this community. A significant raid on November 21, 2017, led to Loyal's arrest in an NCC resident's apartment where authorities discovered heroin, a firearm, and over $11,000 in cash.
This case forms part of a broader initiative to combat violent crime in Newark and surrounding areas. Loyal was one of 28 individuals charged in connection with the DTO's activities, with the rest having already pleaded guilty to various offenses.
Following Loyal's prison term, Judge Wigenton has also mandated five years of supervised release.
The sentencing marks a win for the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), an effort launched in August 2017 by federal, state, county, and city agencies to address violent crimes in Newark. The initiative aims to pool resources and prosecute those posing a significant threat to community safety.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger extended his gratitude to the FBI, Newark Department of Public Safety, and other local and state law enforcement agencies for their pivotal role in the investigation leading to Loyal's sentencing. The case was managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elaine K. Lou and Christopher D. Amore of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
