German police raid pizzeria serving side order of cocaine
Police have conducted a raid on a pizzeria in western Germany, where they allegedly served customers cocaine alongside item number 40 on the menu.
Authorities were alerted to the operation in March by food inspectors, prompting drug squad officers to monitor the restaurant, according to criminal director Michael Graf von Moltke.
When officers attempted to apprehend the 36-year-old pizzeria manager at his apartment, he reportedly threw a bag of drugs out the window, which “landed right in the hands of the police,” as stated by Düsseldorf police.
In the apartment, authorities discovered 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) of cocaine, 400 g (14.1 oz) of cannabis, and €268,000 (£223,120) in cash.
The restaurant manager was released a few days later and reopened the establishment, continuing to sell the drug and pizza combination.
Investigators seized this opportunity to trace the drug supply chain to the pizzeria, which ultimately led to the dismantling of a drug ring in western Germany weeks later.
Approximately 150 officers raided two cannabis plantations—one in Mönchengladbach, west of Düsseldorf, where they found 300 plants, and another in Solingen, east of the city, with 60 plants.
The homes and businesses of 12 suspects were also raided, resulting in the arrests of three people, including a 22-year-old suspected of being the head of the drug operation.
Police also found weapons, money and expensive watches during the raids.
The pizzeria manager was rearrested while trying to leave the country and remains in custody.
“The number 40 was one of the best-selling pizzas,” Mr Moltke said.
Police have not released the name of others involved in the drug operation, or the price of the pizza and cocaine combination.
