Vijayawada: Police have arrested two youths, including a highly qualified woman professional, for alleged possession and consumption of the synthetic drug MDMA. The arrests have exposed fresh links to a wider drug network operating between Bengaluru and Visakhapatnam.The accused — Havila, 25, and her friend Srivatsav — were intercepted in a private bus en route from Bengaluru to Visakhapatnam, based on specific intelligence. During interrogation, both admitted to regular drug use, with Havila reportedly saying she used MDMA “just for the vibe,” and Srivatsav acknowledging his dependence on narcotics.Havila, daughter of a civil engineer from Visakhapatnam, holds an engineering degree and an MBA (2024), and had worked as a manager in Pune before falling into addiction. Despite her academic and professional background, police allege she became deeply involved in drug use alongside Srivatsav.Srivatsav, who reportedly had no financial constraints, was previously arrested in 2022 with 50 grams of MDMA in Visakhapatnam. He was released on bail but allegedly continued his involvement in narcotics.Police have named four accused so far: Srivatsav, Havila, Lohith Yadav (Visakhapatnam), and Maddy (Nellore). Lohith revealed that around 20 friends in Visakhapatnam were regular users. While Srivatsav and Havila were in Bengaluru, Lohith transferred ₹13,000 via UPI to Maddy for MDMA procurement. Another associate, Swaroop Raj, who allegedly introduced Maddy to the group, is now absconding.Lohith was remanded to judicial custody until September 12. Police seized Havila’s mobile phone, which contained personal photos and chats with Srivatsav. The device has been sent for forensic analysis to trace further links to users and suppliers.
