Leeds Woman Isabella Daggett locked up in Dubai Jail for 3 Months Over Drug Charges

A young woman from Leeds has been stuck in a Dubai prison for over three months. Her family says she was arrested unfairly during a police raid. They believe she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Isabella Daggett, 21, moved to Dubai earlier this year. She got a new job in recruitment and left her home in Yorkshire to start a fresh chapter. But soon after her arrival, she was arrested in a drug raid.

Her family strongly insists she is innocent. Her grandmother, Heather Smith, said Isabella doesn’t take drugs and was only arrested because of the people she was staying with.

“Bella has been locked up because she was in the wrong company. Wrong place, wrong time. Wrong boyfriend,” said Mrs. Smith.

Isabella had to stay with a man after her first housing plan didn’t work out. He was not her boyfriend, but someone she knew. He was arrested during the raid too.

No Official Charges Announced Yet

The charges against Isabella have not been shared with the public. Her family says she is only accused of possession, but she tested negative for any drugs.

“They tested her and found nothing in her system,” her grandmother said.

The arrest happened in March 2025. She has been waiting in jail since then. The family now finally has a court date set for June.

Harsh Prison Conditions

The prison conditions are shocking. Isabella hasn’t had a shower in a month, and she hasn’t had clean clothes for three months. There is no TV, no sports, no entertainment.

“The men in prison get more than the women. They get to go outside, have sports, even a PlayStation. Bella has nothing,” her grandmother explained.

She added that Isabella still talks to her and her mother every day. But emotionally, the family is breaking apart.

Dreams Turned into a Nightmare

Before going to Dubai, Isabella worked in online recruitment for construction. She also co-ran a modelling agency in the UK with her mother, Lucinda Smith.

A businessman she worked for told her about job opportunities in Dubai. He promised a good life and exciting career. But that dream quickly turned into a nightmare.

“We warned her about Dubai’s strict rules,” her grandmother said. “She followed the rules, but one mistake changed everything.”

Mrs. Smith believes the man Isabella stayed with may be guilty. But she insists Isabella is not involved.

Family Starts Fundraiser to Bring Her Home

To help with legal costs, Isabella’s mother started a GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Get Bella Home”. They are hoping to raise £5,500 to cover legal fees, travel, and support.

“We have proof she is not guilty,” her mother wrote. “She is living in awful conditions. We need help to get her out.”

Lucinda Smith, her mother and business partner, has chosen not to give public statements but is fully focused on fighting for her daughter’s release.