Bella May Culley, aged 18, from Teesside, was reported missing in the Pattaya area of Thailand but it has now been confirmed she has been arrested in Georgia on drug offences
A Brit teenager reported missing in Thailand has now been arrested in Georgia on drug offences, police have confirmed.
Bella May Culley’s mum Lyanne Kennedy said on Tuesday morning that her daughter was believed to have last seen in the Pattaya area of Thailand and hadn’t been in contact with her family since Saturday. But in a shock update this afternoon, Cleveland Police said that an 18-year-old woman from Billingham has been arrested in the Eastern European country on suspicion of drugs offences and is being held in custody.
Family members of the 18-year-old had flown out to Thailand to search for Bella and her mum said they were all desperate for news before the news of the arrest in Georgia.
A force update reads: “Update on Billingham woman who was reported missing overseas. 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 first flew out to the Philippines just after Easter and had been travelling with a friend around the islands. She is believed to have flown to Thailand on around May 3.
She was in regular contact with her mum and was due to speak with her on Saturday but the family had had no word since and her phone is thought to be switched off, reported TeessideLive.
Bella’s father Neil Culley had flown out to Thailand with his sister Kerrie Culley to try to get answers following the disappearance.
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 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.”
An early message from Cleveland Police said how they were looking into the teenager’s disappearance in Thailand. A spokesperson said: “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. We would appeal for anyone with information on the whereabouts of 18-year-old Bella Culley to contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number quoting ref 084859.”
A Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who is reported missing in Thailand.”