A pregnant British teenager facing serious drug smuggling charges in the former Soviet state of Georgia has been moved to a specialist prison baby unit, The Guardian can reveal.
Bella May Culley, the 19-year-old from Lincolnshire, is now being held in a dedicated maternity facility within the Georgian prison system as her pregnancy advances. The young woman stands accused of attempting to smuggle cocaine worth approximately £700,000 out of the country.
Dramatic Airport Arrest
Culley's ordeal began when Georgian authorities arrested her at Tbilisi airport in late October. Officials allege she was attempting to board a flight to Berlin with nearly 3kg of cocaine concealed within her luggage.
The case has drawn significant attention from British diplomatic services, with the Foreign Office confirming they're providing support to the teenager and her family during what they describe as "a deeply distressing situation."
Prison Conditions Under Scrutiny
Human rights organisations have long expressed concerns about conditions within Georgian prisons. Culley's transfer to the specialised baby unit represents a significant development in her case, potentially offering improved medical care and living conditions during the remainder of her pregnancy.
A spokesperson for the Georgian justice ministry confirmed: "The prisoner has been moved to a facility equipped to handle the specific needs of pregnant women and their newborns."
Family's Ongoing Campaign
Culley's family has maintained her innocence since her arrest, launching a campaign to secure her return to the United Kingdom. They argue she was unaware of the drugs hidden in her luggage and may have been manipulated by criminal elements.
The case highlights the vulnerabilities of young British travellers abroad and the severe consequences they may face under foreign justice systems, particularly when accused of drug-related offences.
As legal proceedings continue, diplomatic efforts between British and Georgian authorities are ongoing, though the complexity of international drug smuggling cases often results in prolonged legal battles.
