What started as a dreamy backpacking trip through Southeast Asia has spiraled into an international legal ordeal for 18-year-old Bella Culley from Billingham, County Durham.
The British teen, who shared carefree snapshots from Thailand just weeks ago, is now sitting in a notorious Georgian prison—facing a possible life sentence for allegedly smuggling drugs into the country.
Bella was arrested earlier this week at Tbilisi International Airport.
Authorities claim they found 14 kilograms of cannabis and hashish in her checked luggage—an estimated street value of £200,000.
From Sunny Beaches to Shocking Arrest
Bella’s family believed she was just enjoying a gap year adventure in Thailand.
Her social media showed scenes of beach days, bike rides, and tropical bliss.
But something else was going on behind the filtered photos.
One recurring mystery? A man often seen in her posts—but never clearly identified.
Some captions hinted at something darker. In one TikTok, Bella wrote: “Don’t care if we on the run baby as long as I’m next to u,” referencing the infamous criminal couple Bonnie and Clyde.
Another video went even further, talking about “getting up to criminal activities” and “making heavy figures.” Now, those posts are being reexamined in a very different light.
Who Is ‘Ross’ or ‘Russ’? Family Questions Mysterious Companion
According to Bella’s grandfather, 80-year-old William Culley, Bella told her family she was heading to the Philippines to meet an old flame—someone she referred to as “Ross or Russ.”
She said he was working there for his father’s company, but now, the family wonders if that was the whole truth.
“She went on her own but was meeting someone out there,” her grandfather said.
“Now I wonder if what she told me was true.”
A close family friend went further, suggesting Bella may have been manipulated by a group of British drug dealers. “She’s just a normal girl,” they said.
“She’s not a hardened criminal. This is completely out of character.”
British Teen Held in Harsh Georgian Prison Awaiting Trial
Bella is currently being held in Women’s Colony Number 5, a prison on the outskirts of Tbilisi known for its tough conditions.
She’s been placed in preliminary detention until at least July 1 while the investigation continues.
If convicted, Bella could be sentenced to anywhere from 15 years to life.
The prosecutor has requested 55 days to gather evidence, but the investigation could stretch on for another seven months.
During this time, Bella might remain locked away in the prison, facing the full weight of Georgia’s strict drug laws.
Tearful Family Blocked from Visiting Bella in Prison
Her father Niel, 49, and aunt Kerrie, 51, rushed to Georgia hoping for a reunion.
But their attempts to visit Bella have been denied so far—delayed due to missing paperwork from the prison authorities.
Legal sources say the family is hoping for permission by tomorrow.
Since arriving in Tbilisi, they’ve been in constant contact with the British Embassy but have refused to speak with the media.
Niel Culley is reportedly even considering selling the family home to fund legal costs.
Shocking Revelation in Court: Bella Claims She’s Pregnant
In a surprising courtroom moment, Bella told officials she was pregnant.
Her lawyer later confirmed that the teen was “scared, confused, and depressed,” visibly shaken by the weight of the charges against her.
“She didn’t seem to understand the severity of what she was accused of,” said her lawyer, Ia Todua.
“She looked like she didn’t expect it to have such severe consequences.”
If she’s truly pregnant, that could play a role in reducing her sentence—especially if she cooperates with the investigation.
But even with mitigating factors, the minimum sentence she faces is 15 years.
Authorities Still Unsure How Bella Got the Drugs
Despite being caught red-handed with 14kg of cannabis in her checked bag, Bella hasn’t explained how the drugs ended up there.
Customs officer Zurab Tatunashvili described how her suitcase looked suspicious during a routine X-ray scan and was pulled aside for inspection.
Inside, they found the stash, while her carry-on contained only personal items.
She had flown into Georgia from Sharjah in the UAE, but officials haven’t confirmed whether Georgia was her final destination or part of a longer route.
Bella Exercises Right to Remain Silent for Now
Given the overwhelming stress and the foreign setting, Bella’s legal team has advised her to remain silent for now.
Lawyer Ia Todua told Radio Free Europe that since this was her first encounter with law enforcement, they’re working carefully to build her defense.
“She hasn’t shared any information yet,” said Todua. “If she chooses to cooperate later, we’ll reassess the legal approach.”
Family Still Waiting for Contact as Bella Sends Emotional Plea
Bella reportedly wrote a letter to the authorities asking to see her father. So far, there’s been no response.
Georgian law allows for short family visits of up to one hour, without glass separation—but it requires official approval, which could take days.
Meanwhile, Bella’s lawyer says she’s due for another visit next week, while the teen remains emotionally distressed and isolated.
Legal Options Remain Unclear, but Cooperation Could Help
Lawyer Ia Todua hinted that if Bella pleads guilty and helps with the investigation, her youth and possible pregnancy could weigh in her favor.
But as of now, her story—and how she ended up with a suitcase full of drugs in Georgia—remains largely untold.
The British Embassy continues to provide support to Bella’s family, and a new legal team may still be brought in.
But with the weight of the charges hanging over her and international attention growing, time is running out to turn things around.
What Comes Next for Bella Culley?
Bella’s legal fate will likely come down to whether she decides to open up and explain her side of the story.
Her family insists she’s been used by others and was unaware of the consequences.
But in Georgia, drug smuggling is taken extremely seriously—no matter your age or background.
For now, the only certainty is that Bella’s once carefree adventure has taken a dark, uncertain turn—and her future now rests in the hands of a foreign court.