Family of pregnant British teen 'drug trafficker' given three weeks to meet condition for her release

The family of the pregnant British teen being held abroad for drug trafficking have been given three weeks in a bid for her release.

Bella May Culley had reportedly hoped to be freed today (9 October) but could not be as a key condition is yet to be met.

The 19-year-old has been detained in Georgia since May, having been accused of drug trafficking.

This came following an initial report from her family that she had gone missing while travelling in Asia.

But the teen from Teesside had shown up in eastern Europe - where she was arrested at Tbilisi International Airport. Culley is alleged to have flown from Thailand with around 12kg of marijuana and hashish in her bags.

It was later revealed she is pregnant, and her family was told she would be able to return to the UK if they pay a whopping fine.

Drugs which Georgian officials claim were seized from Bella Culley's bag (Ministry of Internal Affairs)

That fee is said to be the equivalent of the British street value of the drugs as Culley has claimed she was ‘coerced’ into transporting them and ‘just wanted to travel’.

Her mum, Lyanne Kennedy, previously said that the amount requested by the court was a ‘lot of money’ for them - and today they were unable to meet the sum.

Kennedy and the teen’s dad, Niel Culley, have reportedly been scrambling to make up a £215,000 fine but are falling short.

At today’s hearing, Judge Giorgi Gelashvili told the family they have until 28 October to raise the full amount or sentencing discussions will commence on 2 November.

Kennedy told reporters: "We thought this would be the day but sadly not."

Her mum further explained that Culley is ‘a bit anxious’ because she had expected to be freed today.

"But sadly it couldn't happen," she added. "I am visiting her tomorrow. She is expecting her child by Christmas."

Bella May Culley had been travelling in Southeast Asia before she was detained in Georgia (Facebook)

Questions were asked over how the family are securing the money for the teen, with the mum responding: "You need to speak to her dad. All my money has gone on visiting, six times now."

While the full sum has not been reached, it is understood that they have so far raised enough to secure a reduction to any jail time imposed.

Culley has previously been told she could face up to 15 years or life imprisonment if she’s convicted.

"I just wanted to travel," she previously told the court, pleading not guilty to charges of possession and trafficking illegal drugs.

"I am a good person. I am a student at university. I am a clean person. I don't do drugs."