German authorities have uncovered a drug operation at a pizzeria in Düsseldorf, where customers could secretly order cocaine by requesting item number 40 on the menu.
Earlier this year in March, this specific pizza gained popularity and raised suspicions from food inspectors. Michael Graf von Moltke, the criminal director, told reporters, “That was one of the best-selling pizzas.”
The inspectors contacted the police, and the narcotics squad began a thorough investigation into the restaurant. The unusual popularity of pizza number 40 soon revealed its secret: it came with a side of cocaine.
Von Moltke shared these details with reporters in Düsseldorf on Monday, according to the German news agency dpa.
In a shocking turn of events, the 36-year-old pizza manager allegedly attempted to get rid of the evidence by throwing a bag of cocaine out the window as police stormed his house. However, according to reports, the move backfired, as the bag landed directly into the waiting hands of the officers below.
“This cache included a significant amount of narcotics—1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds) of cocaine and 400 grams (14.1 ounces) of cannabis—along with 268,000 euros ($290,378) in cash,” reports also confirmed.
According to the German new agency, despite being briefly detained, the manager was released after a few days and, remarkably, resumed business. He even started offering the illicit side-order with pizza number 40 again.
This brazen move allowed law enforcement to delve deeper into the operation’s supply chain. After weeks of surveillance, police orchestrated a large-scale bust involving around 150 officers.
They dismantled an entire drug network in the western region of Germany, arresting three primary suspects, including the 22-year-old mastermind behind the operation.
Law enforcements also raided the homes and properties of another 12 individuals suspected of involvement as police uncovered two cannabis-growing operations—one in Mönchengladbach with 300 plants and another in Solingen with 60.
The authorities also seized cutting weapons, stabbing instruments, and a variety of valuables, including cash and luxury watches, according to the DPA.
The pizzeria manager is still held in custody after being detained again while trying to leave the country. The suspect’s identity has, however, been kept enclosed in compliance with German privacy regulations. Authorities also remained tight-lipped about the exact price customers paid for the infamous “pizza number 40” with its special side order.
