An East Orange man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking and firearm offenses, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. Ibraheem Muhammad, 41, received the sentence on July 24, 2025, after previously pleading guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti.
Muhammad admitted to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Authorities began investigating Muhammad for distributing drugs from an apartment in East Orange. On May 9, 2022, law enforcement arrested him on a warrant after observing him leave the residence and participate in what they believed was a drug transaction. He was found carrying numerous envelopes of suspected heroin and keys to the apartment.
A search of the residence led officers to recover controlled substances that later tested positive for heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. Officers also found various glassine envelopes and other items used for packaging drugs. In addition, they seized about $14,000 in cash; a Girsan 9mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with fourteen rounds; and another fifteen rounds of ammunition.
Judge Martinotti also ordered Muhammad to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
U.S. Attorney Habba stated: “U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., Newark Field Division; and the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Maurice Boyd, with the investigation.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Farhana C. Melo and Aja Espinosa from the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel for Muhammad was Jacqueline Cistaro of New York.
