What started as a backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia for 18-year-old Bella Culley has now spiraled into an international legal crisis.
The teenager from Billingham, County Durham, had told her family she was traveling through Thailand—but instead, she was arrested in Georgia with a staggering 14kg of cannabis in her luggage.
Now, she’s behind bars in a notoriously harsh Georgian prison and facing a possible life sentence.
Her arrest at Tbilisi International Airport has left her loved ones shocked and scrambling for answers.
The Social Media Trail and a Mysterious Companion
Before her arrest, Bella’s social media painted a picture of carefree travel—motorbike rides, beach lounging, and plenty of sunshine.
But many of her followers noticed a recurring theme: cryptic captions referencing outlaws Bonnie and Clyde, and photos featuring a shadowy male companion whose identity was never revealed.
One particularly telling TikTok post had her smiling beside a text overlay: “Blonde or brunette? Erm, how about we get up to criminal activities side by side like Bonnie n Clyde making heavy figures and f***ing on balconies all over the world.”
Who Is “Ross” or “Russ”?
The mystery deepened when Bella’s grandfather, 80-year-old William Culley, shared that Bella had mentioned meeting a young man in the Philippines.
“She said she was going alone but meeting someone named Ross—or maybe it was Russ,” he said, unsure of the name.
According to her, the man was working abroad for his father’s company. But now, the family is questioning everything she told them.
Bella reportedly met up with a group of men from northwest England while in Thailand, possibly tied to this Ross or Russ character.
Some close to the family believe she may have been manipulated by a network of drug traffickers.
“This Isn’t Who She Is”
A friend of the family expressed disbelief, claiming Bella is nothing like the criminal image painted by the charges.
“She’s just a normal 18-year-old girl,” the friend said.
“This is way out of character for her.”
The same friend suspects she fell into the wrong crowd.
“There was a guy from Darlington with her. I know for a fact he’s a drug runner.”
Desperate Family Fights for Access
Bella’s father, Niel Culley, and her aunt, Kerrie, flew to Georgia hoping to see her.
But repeated attempts to visit her in prison have been blocked due to bureaucratic delays.
Legal sources say they’re still waiting for a prison director’s approval before they can have any contact.
Meanwhile, British Embassy officials are now involved, supporting the family during this chaotic time.
Shocking News in Court: “I’m Pregnant”
In a heartbreaking court appearance, Bella’s lawyer revealed that the teen claims to be pregnant.
Her father was stunned by the revelation.
“I only found out when my daughter told me last night,” he said.
Bella was described as visibly shaken and deeply emotional upon learning she could be sentenced to life in prison.
Her lawyer, Ms. Ia Todua, explained, “She was scared, confused, and depressed. She didn’t expect things to get this serious.”
A Legal Maze with No Clear Exit
Bella is currently detained at Women’s Colony Number 5, a grim facility on the outskirts of Tbilisi.
For now, she’ll remain in custody until at least July 1 while authorities continue investigating. But the wait could extend for months.
The prosecution has requested 55 days to gather evidence, with the option to push for another seven months.
During this time, Bella could spend up to nine months in jail just awaiting trial.
Could Cooperation Help Her Case?
According to her lawyer, if Bella chooses to cooperate and provide useful information, her sentence could potentially be reduced.
Being young—and possibly pregnant—might also help her case if she agrees to plead guilty and assist investigators.
But right now, she’s exercising her right to remain silent.
“It’s her first time dealing with law enforcement in a foreign country,” said Todua, “so we agreed that she should stay quiet for now while we prepare.”
What Really Happened?
There’s still no clear explanation for how Bella ended up with 14kg of drugs in her possession.
The cannabis and hashish—estimated to be worth around £200,000—were found in her checked luggage.
Her carry-on contained only clothes.
She had flown into Georgia from Sharjah in the UAE, but case documents suggest she originally traveled from Thailand.
Whether Georgia was her final stop or part of a larger route remains unclear.
Awaiting Medical Confirmation and a Chance to Reconnect
Bella has undergone medical evaluations, including a pregnancy test, but her lawyer declined to confirm the results.
“We need her consent to release that information,” Todua stated.
Bella has written a letter requesting a visit from her father, and the family is still waiting on approval.
If granted, they’d be allowed to meet in person for up to an hour—with no glass between them.
What’s Next?
The coming days will be critical.
Bella’s legal team continues to work behind the scenes while her family waits for any opportunity to see her.
Talks are ongoing with British diplomats, and a separate legal team may soon be brought in.
The British Embassy confirmed their involvement, but so far, Georgian authorities haven’t said where Bella was heading next—or if she ever meant to stay in Georgia at all.
As the investigation continues, the big question remains: Was Bella Culley knowingly part of a drug smuggling operation—or was she a vulnerable teen caught in the crossfire of a much larger criminal web?