Bean Town Times

A Cambridge man was arrested on July 18 in connection with an ongoing investigation into counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Over the past four years, the defendant is alleged to have been responsible for manufacturing over 200 kilograms of counterfeit pills.

Schuyler Oppenheimer, also known as “SK” or “Michael Sylvain,” 33, of Cambridge, was charged with possession of 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and two counts of wire fraud. The defendant appeared in U.S. District Court and was detained pending further court hearings.

“The sprawling manufacturing of illegal drugs alleged in this case is as dangerous as it is appalling. It is alleged that Mr. Oppenheimer illegally manufactured hundreds of kilograms of lethal drugs in order to continue to saturate our streets with deadly drugs,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our office is dedicated to stopping the flow of fentanyl into our communities, which, as evidenced by these charges, includes shipments from China.”

Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division, commented: “The FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force has arrested Schuyler Oppenheimer – an alleged large-scale counterfeit pill manufacturer – who’s accused of producing a massive number of pills that looked like regular prescription Adderall or Percocet but contained methamphetamine or fentanyl. Each alleged sale was a potentially deadly transaction for customers.”

Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Field Division, noted: “Fentanyl and methamphetamine being distributed in the form of fake pills are causing tremendous damage to our community.” He added that the DEA would continue working alongside law enforcement partners to identify those distributing deadly drugs.

Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, stated: “The defendant is accused of crimes that reflect his alleged disregard for public safety and wellbeing. He allegedly spearheaded a clandestine lab operation that included evidence of fentanyl precursors.”

John Mawn Jr., Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police, remarked: “Oppenheimer’s sophisticated operation has shown utter disregard for people in our communities.” He commended law enforcement partners' tireless work on the task force.

Oppenheimer is alleged to be technically skilled in chemical processes used for synthesizing fentanyl and manufacturing counterfeit pills. Court documents allege that recipes and pill press molds were seized along with invoices showing purchases from online vendors.

Court documents indicate that since 2019 Oppenheimer obtained over 200 kilograms of filler powders used for making counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Allegedly communicating directly with an illegal chemical supplier based in China, he sought controlled substances and fentanyl precursor chemicals.

Oppenheimer is also accused of obtaining over $40,000 through fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan applications submitted online in April 2021. Allegations include false statements concerning income from self-employment for tax year 2019.

During a search warrant execution on Parker Street in Cambridge, authorities seized over five kilograms of suspected counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine and a loaded firearm. Due to prior felony convictions, Oppenheimer is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Charges against Oppenheimer carry significant penalties including up to life imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and up to 20 years for wire fraud.

Acting US Attorney Levy; FBI SAC Cohen; DEA Acting SAC Belleau; HSI SAC Krol; Jennifer B. De La O., Director Field Operations U.S Customs Border Protection; Interim Colonel Mawn Jr., Massachusetts State Police announced the arrest. Valuable assistance came from Cambridge Police Department with Assistant U.S Attorney Philip A Mallard prosecuting.

The details contained within charging documents are allegations until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.

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