Bella Culley, an 18-year-old from Billingham on Teesside, was recently arrested for drug offences. Today, she is being held in Tbilisi, Georgia. Culley, 24 years old, was arrested Saturday after fleeing Thailand to Georgia. Instead, she is quickly meeting with draconian legal penalties. She could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and even life in prison for supposedly purchasing, possessing, and bringing in banned intoxicants.
Officials arrested Culley at Tbilisi International Airport. They recovered approximately 12 kg (26.5 lb) of marijuana and slightly more than 2 kg (4.4 lb) of hashish from her suitcase. The arrest occurs after her family reported her missing while in Thailand before her arrest in Georgia. Culley’s last communication with her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, occurred on Saturday at 5:30 PM, when she indicated she would be available for a FaceTime call later that day.
In her Tbilisi court on Tuesday, Culley was surrounded by friends and supporters. Her alleged crimes were limited to the unlawful procurement and importation of medications. Throughout the hearing, Culley’s attorney, Ia Todua, pointed out that her client seemed gravely anxious. She would not talk on the record about the fundraising allegations leveled against her.
“When she was explained the essence of the accusation she was worried to speak. When we asked her to testify at that moment she decided to choose silence.” – Ia Todua
Over the last few weeks, Culley documented her visually breathtaking road trip on social media — particularly Instagram. She featured the beautiful natural settings of the beaches of Boracay and the stunning Palawan islands of the Philippines. Yet these posts seemed to ironically play out against the backdrop of uncomfortable circumstances of her present state of affairs.
“The last message she sent was to me and that was on Saturday at 5.30 PM saying she was going to FaceTime me later. That was the last message anyone has received from what we can figure out up to now.” – Lyanne Kennedy
Her family members had become more and more concerned as they’d lost touch with her while she was in Thailand. Lyanne Kennedy expressed her fears and hopes for her daughter’s safe return.
Bella Culley, for now, is staying in temporary detention until the next court date on Oct. 2. Her case highlights the legal implications around Georgia’s drug laws, which are especially punitive towards offenders who have more than one violation.
“I just want her home and safe or to hear her gorgeous little voice.” – Lyanne Kennedy
Currently, Bella Culley remains in temporary detention until further court proceedings. Her case raises questions about the legal ramifications of drug-related offenses in Georgia, which impose strict penalties for violations.