UK teen tells Georgia court she was tortured into smuggling drugs

 

Bella Culley, a 19-year-old student from Billingham in the UK, is currently being held in a Georgian prison after being arrested at Tbilisi International Airport on 10 May. Authorities say she was found in possession of 12 kilograms of marijuana and two kilograms of hashish, concealed in a travel bag. She had flown in from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Prior to that, she had been reported missing while in Thailand. At a pre-trial hearing, Bella pleaded not guilty to charges of drug possession and trafficking. She claimed in court that she was tortured and coerced into carrying the drugs, showing a scar on her wrist she said was caused by being threatened with a hot iron. Bella stated she only wanted to travel and emphasized that she is a clean, law-abiding student who does not take drugs. Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, argued that Bella had no knowledge of the contents of the bag. He added that she attempted to raise concerns with customs in Thailand but was ignored. According to him, Bella had no idea where Georgia was and was manipulated into flying there as part of the drug operation. Bella is also 18 weeks pregnant, which her defense raised as part of a plea for bail. Despite her family offering 50,000 Georgian lari for her release, the judge denied the request.

During her appearance at Tbilisi City Court, Bella reiterated that she was tortured into becoming a drug mule and maintained her innocence. Her lawyer told the court that Bella’s involvement was not voluntary and she had been manipulated and threatened into transporting the drugs. He specializes in juvenile cases and does not speak English, yet attempted to convey Bella’s distress and her lack of awareness about the true nature of her trip. Bella's family including her father, aunt, and grandfather were present in the courtroom. The emotional case has drawn attention due to Bella's young age, her pregnancy, and the disturbing allegations of torture and coercion. Georgian police confirmed that the drugs were seized as part of a joint operation between several departments. If convicted, Bella faces severe punishment under Georgian law, with the potential of a 20-year sentence or even life imprisonment. The British Embassy is involved but has reportedly advised Bella’s family not to speak to the media during the ongoing proceedings. The court has decided to keep Bella in custody until her next hearing, scheduled for 10 July. Meanwhile, her legal team is continuing to build a defense focused on her alleged victimization and the lack of intent or knowledge regarding the drugs. The case has sparked concern over international trafficking scams and the exploitation of young travelers.

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