British teen faces 20 years in Georgian prison after arrest
18-year-old Bella May Culley from the United Kingdom has been arrested in Tbilisi, Georgia, and charged with drug smuggling. The teenager could face up to 20 years in a Georgian prison. Bella's father, Niel Culley, has travelled to Georgia to support his daughter. "I will be here for as long as it takes," he stated in a conversation with the media.
British teenager, Bella May Culley, was enjoying her holiday in Asia. During this time, she remained in constant contact with her family. Everything changed on 3 May when the teenager vanished without a trace. The worried family, unable to contact Bella for four days, reported her missing.
Intensive searches commenced, which had an unexpected outcome. Bella was found in a Georgian detention centre - nearly 6,000 kilometres from Thailand, where she was meant to be. It emerged that the girl had been charged with drug-related offences. According to media reports, 34 hermetically sealed packets of marijuana and 20 packets of hashish were discovered in her luggage.
The teenager's lawyer stated that her client, who is in a women’s prison in Rustavi, "wants to come home." Bella has requested fruits and warmer clothing. During the interrogation, it was revealed that the 18-year-old is pregnant. She complained to her lawyer about not receiving medical assistance.
Returning home will not be straightforward. According to the British media, the teenager faces up to 20 years in prison.
Father of the detained 18-year-old has travelled to Georgia
Bella's family have been striving from the start for the chance to meet with her. According to the "Daily Mail," the teenager’s father, 49-year-old Niel Culley, is now in Georgia. He flew to the country's capital with his sister, Kerrie.
I can't say anything but I will be here for as long as it takes. I obviously have no experience in dealing with situations like this and it’s very difficult,
said Culley in an interview with the "Daily Mail".
Currently, the police are trying to determine where the drugs originated and whether Bella intended to pass them on to someone. Experts suggest that British tourists, travelling with backpacks, often fall victim to Thai cartels, which are involved in drug smuggling.
Bella was exploring Asia, visiting the Philippines and Thailand. She continuously shared her travels online.
The prison where Bella is held is controversial, and human rights organisations criticise the treatment of inmates there.
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it is "supporting the family of a British woman who is detained in Georgia."
