Police have raided a pizzeria in western Germany, which they allegedly served customers a portion of cocaine when they ordered number 40 on the menu.
Criminal director Michael Graf von Moltke said on Monday that authorities were informed of the scheme in March by food inspectors and anti-narcotics squad officers who began monitoring the restaurant. .
Düsseldorf police said that when police arrived to arrest the pizzeria manager at his apartment, the 36-year-old man threw a bag of drugs out the window and the bag of drugs “fell right into bracelets of police officers”.
Police found 1.6kg (3.5lb) of cocaine, 400g (14.1oz) of cannabis and 268,000 euros (£223,120) in cash in the flat.
The restaurant manager was released by the police a few days later, he reopened his restaurant and continued to sell drugs combined with pizza.
Investigators took the opportunity to uncover the pizzeria’s drug supply chain, leading them to bust a drug ring in western Germany a few weeks later.
About 150 police raided two cannabis plantations – one in Mönchenladbach, west of Düsseldorf, where 300 plants were discovered, and another in Solingen, east of the city, where 60 plants were discovered.
The homes and businesses of 12 suspects were also raided, leading to the arrest of 3 people, including a 22-year-old man suspected of being the leader of the drug ring.
Police also found weapons, money and expensive watches during the raids.
The pizzeria manager was recaptured while trying to leave the country and remains in custody.
“No. 40 is one of the best-selling pizzas,” Mr. Moltke said.
Police have not released the names of the others involved in the drug operation nor the price of the pizza and cocaine combination.
