Disappearance and Arrest: British Teenager Found in Georgia on Drug Charges
British teenager Bella May Culley, 18, who vanished in Thailand, has been arrested in Georgia on drug charges, approximately 6,500 kilometers away. Initial fears grew when she did not contact her family as scheduled. Her arrest has elicited varied reactions on social media back home, sparking outrage and concern.
An unsettling update has emerged regarding the British teenager who went missing while traveling in Thailand. Bella May Culley, 18, has been located approximately 6,500 kilometers away in Georgia, Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, she was arrested there on drug charges, amplifying concerns about her well-being and situation abroad.
Culley was reported missing by her family last weekend after failing to maintain contact. Initially, she was believed to have been in Bangkok, maintaining regular communication with her mother until Saturday, when her absence from a scheduled phone call raised alarms. Following this, her father and aunt traveled to Thailand to assist in the search efforts.
However, news broke overnight that police in Tbilisi, Georgia, had taken Ms. Culley into custody for drug offenses. Footage broadcasted by a local news outlet depicted her being escorted through the Central Criminal Police Department while handcuffed. International authorities indicated she was flagged during a security check upon landing at Tbilisi International Airport and was allegedly caught with a significant quantity of cannabis — 14 kilograms, to be precise — hidden in meticulously packaged bags.
Reports detail that in addition to the marijuana, she had 20 packages of hashish in her luggage. Authorities have determined that she poses a flight risk, resulting in her denial of bail. Should she be convicted, she faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Prior to her disappearance, Culley’s mother, Lyanne, noted that her daughter had been traveling with a friend through the Philippines before arriving in Thailand on May 3. In an emotional appeal to Teesside Live, she recounted her daughter’s active social media presence, stating, “She was posting loads of pictures.” Lyanne expressed further distress, recounting the last message received from Bella, which indicated she would FaceTime her later.
As the search intensified, messages sent to Culley on WhatsApp were reportedly undelivered, raising red flags for her family. Despite the growing concerns, the British Government promptly mobilized to assist, coordinating with Thai diplomats to locate the young woman. The situation became even more confusing with reports suggesting that she could have been in Pattaya, a beach city around 150 kilometers from Bangkok.
In a recent update, police in Cleveland, close to Culley’s hometown, confirmed her arrest in Georgia. Following the news, reactions on social media within her community were mixed, with some expressing outrage. Comments included sentiments like, “Stupid girl” and “I don’t feel sorry for her. She knew what she was doing.”
To date, Culley’s family has not issued a formal statement regarding this distressing turn of events.
In summary, Bella May Culley’s disappearance has drawn heightened concerns following her arrest in Georgia for drug-related charges. Her family continues to seek answers while officials navigate the complexities of international law. As news spreads, reactions in her hometown reveal a mixture of anger and empathy, reflecting the confusion and anxiety surrounding her situation abroad. More details are likely to emerge as authorities continue their investigation.
Original Source: www.news.com.au
