Missing Brit teen arrested on drug charges in Georgia after Thailand disappearance

Bella May Culley, 18, from Billingham, last contacted her family on Saturday before vanishing — prompting a frantic search abroad.

A British teenager initially reported missing in Thailand has now been confirmed to be in custody in Georgia, Eastern Europe, following her arrest on suspicion of drug offences.

Bella May Culley, 18, from Billingham, Teeside, was last believed to be in the Pattaya area of Thailand, prompting an urgent search by her family. Her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, had raised the alarm after losing contact with her daughter on Saturday, saying she was "desperate" for news.

Speaking earlier on Tuesday, Lyanne said: "She flew out to the Philippines after Easter with a friend and she was there for three weeks. She was posting loads of pictures and then she went to Thailand on about May 3.

"The last message she sent was to me and that was on Saturday at 5.30pm saying she was going to FaceTime me later. That was the last message anyone has received from what we can figure out up to now.

"I’m just waiting on her dad who is now in Bangkok to get back with any more information. I just want her home and safe or to hear her gorgeous little voice."

Bella’s father, Neil Culley, had flown to Thailand with his sister to search for her, fearing the worst after days of silence and an inactive phone, reports the Mirror.

But in a shock update, Cleveland Police confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the teenager was not in Thailand — but had instead been arrested in Georgia on suspicion of drugs offences.

A police spokesperson said: “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.”

Bella had flown to the Philippines just after Easter and spent several weeks travelling with a friend before heading to Thailand around May 3. She had been in regular contact with her family until she abruptly stopped responding over the weekend.

Initially, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was supporting Bella's family while authorities investigated her possible disappearance overseas.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson added earlier: “We have received a report of a missing person who may be in Thailand. Enquiries are ongoing locally and with other agencies to establish the circumstances.”

The Foreign Office has not yet released further details following confirmation of the teen’s arrest.