Teenager coerced into drug market after leaving care
All week we are investigating the county lines problem across Scotland.
Last updated 19th Oct 2021
All week MFR is investigating how so-called County Lines gangs are exploiting children in Scotland to reach new drug markets.
Tom has been speaking to us as part of our Look Closer campaign.
He left care at 16 and found himself in a hostel surrounded by a drug gang.
He said: "I wanted to feel a sense of belonging and I started to hang around with these people who were older than me and they were showing me where to get ecstasy and other drugs."
"In the beginning, I was really easily led by other people because I was so young."
"I thought I was good at stealing"
Tom was soon encouraged to steal from shops in return for drugs and expensive gifts.
"They would say to me 'I know somebody who needs a TV and if you can get me one then I'll give you money in return' and I never thought anything of it.
"I thought I was good at stealing and that is the way it went for years into my adulthood."
"I don't even think they knew they were exploiting me"
He adds that the people who got him involved in dealing drugs started to make him feel like he had a sense of purpose.
"I felt great as I was starting to fit in with the people around me.
"Some of them were my friends and I don't even think they knew they were exploiting me.
"They were always your friend when you were doing something for them, but if they didn't need you anymore then the relationship would break down."
"After a while I was the person leading others"
Tom battled with drug abuse for 17 years and spent time in prison for his actions.
"I became a bit of an exploiter as well because I would get people to help me if I got orders.
"After I while I was the person leading others into doing things so maybe I added to the problem."
"There is a way out"
Tom now works for the charity Action for Children as a mentor trying to deter young people from falling into serious organised crime.
"I am a living example to kids these days and can show them how I turned my life around.
"I've got a full-time job and I am married with a baby on the way.
"We use our experience to show people that there is a way out of the situation they might find themselves in."