Billingham teenager Bella Culley faces lengthy jail time in Georgia

In Georgia, Bella May Culley, an 18-year-old from Billingham, was arrested on suspicion of drug-related offenses after arriving at Tbilisi International Airport. The police discovered significant quantities of narcotics in her travel bag, specifically 12 kilograms of marijuana and 2 kilograms of hashish. Following her arrest, Bella was charged with crimes related to illegally buying, possessing, and importing these drugs. The Georgian prosecution requires up to 55 days for their investigation to determine the source of the narcotics and whether she intended to distribute them, a period that could potentially extend by seven additional months. During a recent court hearing, Bella stated that she is pregnant, which adds another layer of complexity to her situation. Her appointed lawyer, Ia Todua, indicated that the authorities are conducting extensive investigations to establish the origins of the drugs and ascertain her intentions. Bella's continued detention in prison number 5 in Rustavi raises concerns, especially considering the severe legal consequences she faces if found guilty, which could include a prison sentence of up to 20 years or even life imprisonment. The British Foreign Office has confirmed their support for Bella's family during this difficult time and is involved in facilitating communication and assistance. Bella has expressed her desire to see her family while in custody, leading her to request short visits. According to her lawyer, she has the legal right to these visits, and the authorities must respond to her request within five days. Bella's case gained media attention due to the severe implications of her charges and the murky circumstances surrounding her arrest. The British consular services are following the situation closely, and her family has been advised on how to navigate the media landscape following her detention. As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Bella and her family remain significant, drawing interest and concern from the public and officials both in the UK and Georgia.