Mike started selling drugs for a county lines gang when he was just a teenager. After being arrested and getting stabbed, he left that life behind. But he's been willing to share his experiences with The Times’ crime editor David Woode for the first time, explaining how he got caught 'under a spell'.

This is episode four of a five-part special investigation into county lines drug dealing, running in audio, video, print and digital from The Times and The Sunday Times.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Host: David Woode

Producers: Kate Lamble and Taryn Siegel.

With thanks to the St Giles Trust

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com

Read more: Inside the case of a 15-year-old caught with a machete and pistol

Further listening: Why I carried a knife

Photo: Getty Images.

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INVESTIGATION: On the line - Mike

The Story