Bella Culley, an 18-year-old from Billingham, Teesside, has been arrested in Tbilisi, Georgia, on suspicion of importing significant quantities of narcotics. Authorities allege she was found with 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish at Tbilisi International Airport. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison or even a life sentence.
During a pre-trial hearing, prosecutors requested 55 days to gather evidence, with the possibility of extending the investigation by an additional seven months. Bella Culley disclosed to the court that she is pregnant. Her state-appointed lawyer, Ia Todua, stated that investigators aim to determine the origin of the drugs and whether Culley intended to distribute them. Authorities have also confiscated her mobile phone as part of the investigation.
The British Foreign Office has confirmed it is providing support to Culley’s family. Other legal representatives have expressed interest in taking on her case. Bella Culley is currently being held in Prison Number 5 in Rustavi, a facility located southeast of Tbilisi.
Georgian police have described the arrest as the result of a coordinated operation involving multiple departments. Bella Culley faces charges of illegally purchasing, possessing, and importing large quantities of narcotics. Cleveland Police in the UK have confirmed that an 18-year-old woman from their jurisdiction has been arrested in Georgia and that they are liaising with international partners regarding the case.
