Bella May Culley was last seen in Thailand — but has now been found in custody in Eastern Europe.
An 18-year-old British woman who was reported missing in Thailand has been found — not in Southeast Asia, but in Georgia, almost 4,000 miles away.
Bella May Culley, from Billingham, County Durham, had been travelling across Asia and was last believed to be in Pattaya, Thailand earlier this month. She had been in regular contact with her family during her travels, frequently posting on social media until going silent around May 11.
Her disappearance prompted deep concern from her family, with relatives flying to Thailand in search of her. But on Monday afternoon (13 May), Cleveland Police confirmed that Bella had been arrested in Georgia on suspicion of drug offences.
Police Statement Confirms Arrest
“We have this afternoon had confirmation from the authorities in Georgia that an 18-year-old woman from Billingham has been arrested there on suspicion of drugs offences and that she remains in their custody,” a spokesperson for Cleveland Police said.
How or why Bella travelled from Thailand to Georgia remains unclear.
Serious Charges and Potential Sentence
According to local media reports, Bella was allegedly found carrying:
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34 hermetically sealed packages of marijuana
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20 packages of hashish
The charges could carry severe consequences — up to 20 years or life imprisonment in Georgia’s only women’s prison, Tbilisi Prison No.5.
Family’s Fears Before Arrest Discovery
Before the arrest was revealed, Bella’s mother, Lyanne Kennedy, spoke to Teesside Live about her daughter’s disappearance:
“She was posting loads of pictures and then she went to Thailand on about May 3. The last message she sent was to me… saying she was going to FaceTime me later. That was the last anyone has heard.”
She added: “I just want her home and safe — or to hear her gorgeous little voice.”
Bella’s father and aunt had already travelled to Thailand to search for her when the arrest was confirmed.
UK Government Involvement
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated:
“We are supporting the family of a British woman who is detained in Georgia and are in contact with the local authorities.”
