Bella May Culley, an 18-year-old nursing student from the UK who was previously reported missing while traveling in Thailand, has been located and arrested in Tbilisi, Georgia, on drug trafficking charges.
Authorities allege Culley attempted to smuggle approximately 14 kilograms of cannabis and hashish into the country. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison or even a life sentence under Georgian law.
Her family lost contact with her on May 3 while she was believed to be in Southeast Asia. They launched a search in Thailand, only to later learn she had been detained in Georgia.
During her court appearance, Culley revealed she is pregnant and declined to speak in detail about the allegations. Her legal representative described her as frightened and overwhelmed by the circumstances.
The British government has confirmed her arrest and is providing support to her family. A court hearing is scheduled for July 1, as legal proceedings continue to unfold.