By: Najla Alexander
NJ authorities announced that a Somerset County man was convicted of drug trafficking, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and illegal possession of firearms.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated that Malachi A. Muhammad, 50, of Somerset, was convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to NJ officials, Muhammad was also convicted of one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
Muhammad was convicted following a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court, NJ officials stated. The jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning the guilty verdicts.
“This verdict underscores our commitment to keeping guns out of the hands of drug traffickers and dangerous drugs like methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine out of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Habba.
Newark ATF Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr. said, “This is a reminder that there is no safe haven for those who wreak havoc or contribute to crime in our communities. ATF will never waver in our commitment to protecting the people we serve and public safety.”
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
NJ authorities said that on August 19, 2021, officers from the Lawrence Township Police Department responded to the southbound lanes of Route 1 near the Quaker Bridge Mall in response to calls from concerned citizens about a car stopped in the middle of the highway.
Officers found Muhammad, the only occupant and driver of the car, initially unresponsive and believed him to be asleep or experiencing a medical emergency, according to NJ officials.
NJ officials say that after officers were able to arouse Muhammad, they noticed the handle of a handgun in between his legs.
Officers removed Muhammad from the vehicle, and he was placed under arrest, NJ officials stated.
According to NJ officials, a subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 91 pills of methamphetamine, 468 wax folds of fentanyl and heroin, 5 bags of cocaine, and five additional firearms, including two semi-automatic rifles, and over 150 rounds of ammunition.