Swampscott man indicted for North Shore drug activity

SALEM – A Swampscott man who authorities theorize was operating a large scale multi-state Ecstasy and marijuana drug ring on the North Shore and in Southern New Hampshire was indicted last Friday by an Essex County grand jury.Michael McMahon, 20, of 7 Hillcrest Circle, faces numerous charges that include distribution of Ecstasy, distribution of Ecstasy within a school zone, two counts of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of Ecstasy with the intent to distribute as well as possession of a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without a license and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.An undercover investigation by a federal Drug Enforcement agent and state police began last June and resulted in the charges arising out of three separate incidents in Salisbury, Lynnfield and Danvers in 2010.The investigation resulted in the discovery of nearly 10 ounces of the drug Ecstasy as well as 206 Ecstasy pills and more than $26,000 in cash following a search of a Danvers apartment last June.The indictments handed up now move the case from Peabody District Court, where McMahon has pleaded not guilty to similar charges, to Salem Superior Court, where he will be re-arraigned within the next few weeks.In the meantime, McMahon remains held in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.Assistant District Attorney Michael Patten is prosecuting the case for the state.