By: Richard L. Smith
Furad Loyal, a 42-year-old resident of Newark, Essex County, has been handed a 210-month prison sentence for his involvement in a large-scale heroin distribution conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Selling announced the sentencing, which took place in the Newark federal court under U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton.
The conviction of Loyal came after a trial that concluded on May 9, 2023. He faced charges on three counts: conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over one kilogram of heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
While he was acquitted on a count related to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, the evidence against him for the other charges was substantial.
Loyal was identified as a key supplier in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the vicinity of Hayes Street and 14th Avenue, near the New Community Corporation community development in Newark.
The operation involved the collective distribution of heroin and the sharing of narcotics supplies, proceeds, and customers among its members.
A raid on November 21, 2017, led to the discovery of Loyal stashing heroin, a firearm, and over $11,000 in cash in an apartment within the NCC area.
This case was part of a larger crackdown on the DTO, which saw charges against 27 other members from March to August 2018 for conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine base, with additional firearms offenses against Loyal.
All 27 co-defendants have pleaded guilty to their respective charges.
Following his prison term, Judge Wigenton also imposed a five-year supervised release for Loyal.