News Summary
Harvey ‘Big Opp’ Rodriguez, a 29-year-old Lynn resident, has been arrested on conspiracy charges related to drug distribution and robbery. His involvement in a drug operation linked to counterfeit pills and dangerous substances like fentanyl and cocaine was uncovered after a multi-year federal investigation. Rodriguez faces significant charges, including armed robbery during a drug transaction, and may face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Authorities are emphasizing their commitment to combating organized crime in the region.
Lynn, Massachusetts – Harvey “Big Opp” Rodriguez, a 29-year-old resident of Lynn, was apprehended by federal law enforcement on serious charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to interfere with commerce through robbery. Rodriguez made an appearance in Boston Federal Court on Thursday following his arrest.
Rodriguez’s arrest follows a detailed, multi-year investigation into a drug conspiracy that is believed to have operated throughout Lynn and the broader North Shore area of Massachusetts. The investigation indicates that the conspiracy was involved in the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit prescription pills alongside kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl.
According to court documents, Rodriguez allegedly distributed narcotics on four separate occasions to cooperating witnesses and confidential informants as part of a federal probe into his operations. His involvement in drug distribution aligns with ongoing charges against other alleged distributors associated with him, including Vincent “Fatz” Caruso and Schuyler Oppenheimer.
Prosecutors have connected Rodriguez to a criminal organization known as “Big Opp Entertainment” or “Brothers Over Everything” (BOE). Despite having a history of multiple arrests, Rodriguez has no prior convictions, which underscores his established reputation as a distributor of particularly dangerous drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, often in the form of pressed pills.
The criminal complaint against Rodriguez further details an armed robbery charge stemming from an incident that took place on January 30, 2023, during a drug transaction at an apartment located in Woburn. During this robbery, Rodriguez and an accomplice identified as Claudio Melo allegedly pointed semiautomatic pistols at a drug client and made off with $24,000 in cash that was purportedly generated through drug trafficking activities. This charge falls under the Hobbs Act, which is a federal law aimed at combating robbery and extortion that affect interstate commerce.
Evidence collected during the investigation, including text messages exchanged between Rodriguez and his associates, as well as surveillance footage, played an essential role in establishing his involvement in these illicit activities. The charges related to conspiracy could lead to a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years, in addition to substantial fines and terms of supervised release upon serving his time.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard is set to prosecute the case. The effort is a collaborative investigation involving several agencies, including the FBI, DEA, Massachusetts State Police, and the Lynn Police Department.
As the legal proceedings continue, it is crucial to note that Rodriguez is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case reflects ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and associated violent crime in local communities. Authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to address such issues, aiming to minimize the impact of organized crime on public safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ongoing Homelessness and Drug Use Crisis in Boston’s Mass and Cass
Boston Police Arrest Nine in Undercover Prostitution Sting
Child Injured by Hypodermic Needle in South Boston Park
Boston Faces Serious Challenges from Opioid Crisis
Boston Court Dismisses 102 Cases Due to Lack of Legal Representation
Cape Cod Nurse Charged with Drug Larceny in East Boston
Vietnamese National Sentenced for Identity Theft and Passport Fraud
Boston Health Official Admits Failures in Drug Crisis Response
Convicted Sex Trafficker Ordered to Pay $1.5 Million in Restitution
Massachusetts’ Operation Patriot Leads to Controversial Arrests
Additional Resources
- ItemLive: Lynn Man Arrested for Drug Conspiracy and Armed Robbery
- Wikipedia: Drug Trafficking
- Boston 25 News: Lynn Man Gets Prison Time for Trafficking Fentanyl
- Google Search: Drug Trafficking News
- Hoodline: Lynn Man Accused of Drug Conspiracy and Armed Robbery
- Google Scholar: Drug Conspiracy Law
- Clarion Ledger: 72 People Arrested for Human Trafficking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
