Newark, NJ – Furad Loyal, a 42-year-old resident of Newark, New Jersey, has been sentenced to 210 months (17.5 years) in prison for his involvement in a large-scale heroin distribution operation. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentencing, which took place on February 21, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton.
Loyal was convicted on May 9, 2023, of 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. He was acquitted of an additional firearms charge related to drug trafficking crimes.
Evidence presented at trial revealed Loyal’s role as a heroin supplier within a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating near Hayes Street and 14th Avenue in the vicinity of the New Community Corporation (NCC) in Newark. This DTO was involved in the sale of narcotics, sharing supplies, proceeds, and customers within the NCC area. Authorities discovered Loyal inside an NCC apartment in November 2017, alongside his heroin stash, a firearm, and over $11,000 in cash.
Loyal, along with 27 other DTO members, was charged between March and August 2018 with conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine base, in addition to firearms offenses. All other defendants have pleaded guilty to their respective charges.
Following his prison term, Loyal will be under supervised release for five years.