In a bizarre twist, German police uncovered a drug ring operating out of a seemingly ordinary pizzeria in Düsseldorf, where customers ordering pizza number 40 were also served a side of cocaine.
Authorities, tipped off by food inspectors in March, soon realized why the dish had become a top seller.
Criminal director Michael Graf von Moltke revealed that during surveillance of the restaurant, the pizzeria’s illegal activities quickly surfaced.
The investigation escalated when officers raided the manager’s apartment, catching him red-handed—quite literally.
As the 36-year-old allegedly attempted to toss a bag of drugs out the window, it landed directly in the arms of waiting officers. The haul included 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, 400 grams of cannabis, and nearly €270,000 in cash.
The operation didn’t stop there. In subsequent raids, authorities uncovered two cannabis plantations in nearby towns, Mönchengladbach and Solingen, boasting over 360 plants in total.
Investigators seized weapons, cash, and high-end watches, widening their net and ultimately dismantling a broader network of drug traffickers.
Despite the initial bust, the pizzeria manager had reopened the business within days, continuing to sell the infamous pizza number 40 until authorities closed in again.
A coordinated effort involving 150 officers led to the arrest of three key figures, including the 22-year-old ringleader.
The case stands as a striking reminder that crime can hide in the most mundane of places. While the pizzas might have been hot, it was the illicit deliveries that landed these suspects in hot water.
Authorities, adhering to privacy laws, did not release the names of the suspects, leaving the public in suspense. Meanwhile, the cost of the ‘special’ pizza remains a mystery.
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