A 23-year-old British woman, Bella May Culley, is facing up to 20 years in a Georgian prison after being accused of attempting to smuggle 62 grams of heroin out of the country. The incident occurred at Kutaisi International Airport in western Georgia, where authorities allegedly found the drugs hidden in her luggage.
Culley, from Hampshire, was reportedly visiting Georgia with a friend when she was arrested. Her family insists she was coerced into carrying the drugs, claiming she had no prior involvement in criminal activity.
Family's Desperate Plea
In an emotional statement, Culley's mother described her daughter as a "naive young woman" who was manipulated into the situation. The family has launched a fundraising campaign to cover legal fees, arguing that Bella was exploited by more sophisticated criminals.
Harsh Penalties in Georgia
Georgia has strict drug laws, with possession of large quantities carrying mandatory minimum sentences. If convicted, Culley could face between 10 to 20 years imprisonment. The case has drawn attention to the severe penalties foreign nationals face for drug offenses in the country.
The trial continues as British consular officials monitor proceedings closely. The Foreign Office has confirmed providing assistance but declined to comment further on the ongoing case.
