German authorities uncovered a drug operation at a pizzeria in Düsseldorf, where customers could discreetly order cocaine by requesting item number 40 on the menu.
This particular pizza became a hit, drawing suspicion from food inspectors earlier this year in March. Criminal director Michael Graf von Moltke confirmed to reporters, “That was one of the best-selling pizzas.”
The police became involved after being alerted by the inspectors, leading the drug squad to investigate the restaurant closely.
The 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 dramatic twist, when police raided the home of the 36-year-old pizzeria manager, he allegedly tried to dispose of the evidence by tossing a bag of drugs out the window.
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.
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.
In addition, raids were conducted on the homes and properties of another 12 individuals suspected of involvement.
During these raids, the 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 dpa.
The pizzeria manager was eventually rearrested while attempting to flee the country and remains in custody. In accordance with German privacy laws, the identities of the suspects have not been disclosed.
Authorities also remained tight-lipped about the exact price customers paid for the infamous “pizza number 40” with its special side order.
