In brief
Authorities discovered a scheme where a pizzeria purportedly offered cocaine as a side order, leading to a significant drug bust involving multiple arrests and the seizure of substantial quantities of narcotics and cash.
German police recently executed a raid on a pizzeria in the western part of the country after uncovering allegations that the establishment served customers a side of cocaine with orders for menu item number 40. The investigation began in March when food inspectors notified law enforcement about the suspicious activities.Düsseldorf's criminal director, Michael Graf von Moltke, reported that the drug squad began monitoring the restaurant. During an operation to apprehend the pizzeria's 36-year-old manager, he allegedly attempted to dispose of a bag of cocaine by throwing it from his window, only for it to land directly in the hands of waiting police officers.In the subsequent search of the manager's apartment, authorities confiscated an impressive haul that included 1.6 kilograms (3.5 lbs) of cocaine, 400 grams (14.1 oz) of cannabis, and cash totaling €268,000 (£223,120). The pizzeria manager was quickly released by police but soon reopened the establishment, where he continued his illicit trade of drugs alongside pizzas.Taking advantage of this situation, investigators delved deeper into the pizzeria's drug supply chain, which ultimately led them to uncover a larger drug ring operating in western Germany. In a coordinated effort, around 150 police officers raided two cannabis plantations, discovering 300 plants in Mönchengladbach and another 60 plants in Solingen. The police also conducted searches at the homes and businesses of 12 suspects, resulting in three arrests—including a 22-year-old believed to be the mastermind of the drug operation.During these extensive raids, law enforcement officials recovered weapons, additional cash, and luxury watches, illustrating the scale of the drug activity. The pizzeria manager was ultimately rearrested while attempting to flee the country and currently remains in custody. Law enforcement has yet to disclose the identities of the other individuals linked to the drug operation or the price of the pizza-cocaine combination, which had reportedly gained notoriety as one of the restaurant's best-selling items.
