East Orange Man Admits Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses

Suspect faces minimum of five years and up to life behind bars after pleading guilty to multiple charges.

An East Orange, New Jersey resident pleaded guilty to possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced. Ibraheem Muhammad, 41, admitted the charges before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti, including one count of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possessing drugs with intent to distribute, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court records and statements made in court, law enforcement officers arrested Muhammad on May 9, 2022, outside his East Orange apartment (the “Residence”), where he allegedly dealt narcotics. Authorities discovered heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, as well as packaging materials, approximately $14,000 in cash, and a Girsan 9mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition. An additional 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered during the search.

• Drug Charge: Carries up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million maximum fine.
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm: Carries up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
• Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking: Mandates a minimum of 5 years in prison and up to life, plus a maximum $250,000 fine.

Muhammad’s sentencing is set for June 24, 2025. Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited the investigation to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Newark Field Division, led by Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., and the East Orange Police Department, overseen by Public Safety Director Maurice Boyd. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Farhana C. Melo of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.