Story perspectives

Pregnant Brit Released from Georgian Prison After Drug Charges

11/3/2025

Summary

Story summary

Bella May Culley, a 19-year-old British woman, was released from a Georgian prison after nearly six months on drug smuggling charges.
Culley was arrested in May 2023 at Tbilisi Airport with 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish, facing a potential 20-year sentence.
A plea deal reduced her sentence to time served, with her family paying a fine of 500,000 lari (approximately £137,000).
Culley claimed coercion by a Thai drug gang and showed signs of torture upon her arrival in Georgia.
Her mother expressed relief at the unexpected release, noting that Culley is eight months pregnant.

History

Historical Context

The UK's Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 established strict penalties for drug offenses, categorizing substances into classes A, B, and C. This legislation followed earlier drug control measures, including the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act 1964, and aimed to align with international treaties. Bella May Culley's recent release from a Georgian prison underscores ongoing challenges in drug policy and enforcement, particularly regarding smuggling and the treatment of vulnerable inmates.

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Story summary

Bella May Culley, a 19-year-old British woman, was released from a Georgian prison after nearly six months on drug smuggling charges.
Culley was arrested in May 2023 at Tbilisi Airport with 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish, facing a potential 20-year sentence.
A plea deal reduced her sentence to time served, with her family paying a fine of 500,000 lari (approximately £137,000).
Culley claimed coercion by a Thai drug gang and showed signs of torture upon her arrival in Georgia.
Her mother expressed relief at the unexpected release, noting that Culley is eight months pregnant.

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