Düsseldorf, Germany — A pizzeria in the western city of Düsseldorf was uncovered as a front for drug deliveries, offering customers a side of cocaine when they ordered item number 40 on the menu, according to German police.
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“That was one of the best-selling pizzas,” said criminal director Michael Graf von Moltke during a press briefing in Düsseldorf.
The illicit operation was first discovered in March after food inspectors raised suspicions. Drug squad officers then started surveillance of the restaurant and quickly understood why pizza number 40 was so popular, Moltke revealed on Monday, as reported by the German news agency dpa.
During the investigation, police officers confronted the 36-year-old pizzeria manager at his apartment. In a failed attempt to dispose of evidence, he allegedly threw a bag of drugs out of the window—straight into the arms of waiting officers, according to Düsseldorf police. The officers seized 1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds) of cocaine, 400 grams (14.1 ounces) of cannabis, and 268,000 euros ($290,378) in cash.
Although initially released from detention after a few days, the manager reopened his business and resumed offering pizza number 40 with its secret side order. This gave investigators the chance to trace the drug supply chain. After several weeks of investigation, approximately 150 officers executed a major bust, dismantling an entire drug ring operating across western Germany. Three suspects, including the 22-year-old alleged leader of the drug network, were arrested. Additionally, homes and businesses connected to 12 other suspects were raided.
During these raids, police discovered two cannabis plantations in the nearby cities of Mönchengladbach and Solingen, containing 300 and 60 plants, respectively. Officers also seized cutting and stabbing weapons, as well as cash and luxury watches, according to dpa reports.
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The pizzeria manager was arrested once more as he attempted to flee the country and remains in custody. Authorities have not disclosed the names of the suspects, in line with German privacy laws.
Police did not provide details on how much the pizzeria charged for the special order.
