Iraq’s youngest known drug addict: 14-year-old girl found begging in Baghdad

Dubai: Iraqi authorities have identified a 14-year-old girl as a regular drug user, potentially making her the youngest known addict in the country, the Ministry of Interior announced this week.

The teenager was found by the Community Police unit in Baghdad while begging in the Bayaa neighborhood on the western side of the capital. Initial investigations revealed that she had developed a dependency on drugs, the ministry said in a statement.

According to officials, the girl became addicted while living with her family, having been lured into substance abuse by what the ministry described as "bad company." She eventually fled home and turned to begging to finance her addiction.

Following her discovery, police transferred her to the "Al Qanat" Social Rehabilitation Center for addiction treatment, where she underwent medical examinations before being admitted to a hospital for further care.

The ministry stated that Community Police officers would closely monitor her progress during her hospitalisation, offering full support until her recovery.

Authorities also visited the girl's home to investigate the circumstances that led to her escape, including whether she had suffered from domestic abuse.