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British Teen Bella May Culley Faces Life in Georgian Prison Over Drug Smuggling Charges

Culley, 18, claims to be pregnant and has raised concerns about inadequate medical care and prison conditions while awaiting trial in a facility criticized for its harsh environment.

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Overview

  • Bella May Culley, arrested on May 11 at Tbilisi International Airport, is accused of smuggling 12kg of cannabis and 2kg of hashish into Georgia and could face life imprisonment if convicted.
  • Culley, currently detained at Women's Prison No. 5 near Tbilisi, has complained of poor medical care despite claiming to be pregnant, with no examinations conducted to confirm her condition.
  • Celebrity lawyer Mariam Kublashvili has offered pro bono representation, describing Culley as a victim of manipulation rather than a calculating criminal.
  • Culley's father, Niel, has traveled to Georgia to support her but has yet to visit her due to procedural delays, while her lawyer has raised concerns about prison food and her welfare.
  • The case highlights broader concerns about young travelers being exploited by organized crime networks, particularly in regions with relaxed cannabis laws like Thailand.