Controversial MARK WAHLBERG was not only a drug dealer but was up on attempted murder charges back in his Beantown gangsta days . . .
In a case of art imitating life, in Mark’s new flick “Contraband” he plays a tough as nails smuggler – but in real life, he’s confessed to selling drugs in his Boston neighborhood as a teen.
Now 40 and one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars, Mark says he dropped out of school at age 14 and began making his living on the streets of Dorchester, Mass., as a thief, gang member and dope dealer.
By the age of 16, he was facing attempted murder charges after beating a man during a botched robbery attempt.
But he pleaded to the lesser charge of assault and served just 45 days in prison.
Wahlberg now credits a Catholic priest with changing his life.
ALL the details are in the newest ENQUIRER!