Police in Düsseldorf conducted a surprising drug bust at a local pizzeria, where officers discovered a clandestine operation involving the sale of cocaine alongside a popular pizza dish. The restaurant, located in the city’s old town area, had been offering a special item on the menu known as pizza number 40, which came with a side order of cocaine.
The illicit activity came to light after food inspectors raised suspicions about the establishment in March, leading police to launch an investigation. Criminal director Michael Graf von Moltke revealed that pizza number 40 had become one of the best-selling items on the menu, attracting attention from law enforcement.
Upon further inspection, authorities found that the pizzeria was not only serving up pizzas but also facilitating the distribution of drugs. When the police contacted the manager of the restaurant, a 36-year-old individual from Croatia, he attempted to dispose of a bag of drugs by throwing it out of the window, only to have it intercepted by waiting officers.
The seized contraband included 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, 400 grams of cannabis, and a substantial sum of cash amounting to 268,000 euros. Following the initial bust, the pizzeria manager was temporarily detained but later released. Despite his brief incarceration, he swiftly resumed operations and continued to offer the infamous pizza number 40 with the illegal extras.
This brazen move allowed investigators to track down and dismantle a larger drug network operating in western Germany. The subsequent crackdown resulted in the arrest of three suspects, including the 22-year-old ringleader, and the apprehension of an additional 12 individuals linked to the illicit operation.
Notably, the main suspect, a Russian national, was accused of orchestrating the procurement and distribution of cannabis and cocaine on a significant scale, involving kilogram quantities of the substances. During the extensive raids, authorities uncovered two cannabis plantations in nearby areas, along with weapons, cash, and luxury items.
The pizzeria manager’s attempted escape abroad was thwarted, leading to his arrest and continued detention. Due to German privacy regulations, the identities of the suspects have not been disclosed to the public. The successful operation marked a significant milestone in combating drug-related activities in the region.
The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies underscored the commitment to upholding public safety and dismantling criminal enterprises that operate within communities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to combat illicit activities and maintain the rule of law in society.