In brief
In a bizarre turn of events, a pizzeria in western Germany has been implicated in a drug trafficking operation that reportedly included cocaine as a side dish on the menu.
German police recently raided the pizzeria after receiving a tip-off from food inspectors in March about the bizarre drug-related food service. Doubts arose when it was reported that customers who ordered item number 40 could also request a side of cocaine. Following the tip, drug squad officers initiated surveillance on the restaurant, leading to the discovery of a more extensive drug operation.When police attempted to detain the 36-year-old restaurant manager at his apartment, he allegedly tried to dispose of evidence by throwing a bag of drugs out the window. The bag fell directly into the hands of waiting police officers. In further searches, authorities uncovered a staggering 1.6kg (3.5lb) of cocaine, 400g (14.1oz) of cannabis, and €268,000 (£223,120) in cash.Despite his arrest and brief detainment, the pizzeria manager reopened the establishment shortly after, continuing to sell the now-infamous combination of pizza and cocaine, which was particularly popular among patrons. This re-opening provided law enforcement with the opportunity to probe deeper into the pizzeria’s drug supply chain.As the investigation progressed, about 150 officers launched targeted raids on two cannabis plantations in western Germany. One plantation located in Mönchengladbach yielded 300 plants, while another in Solingen produced 60 plants. During these coordinated operations, police also descended upon the residences and businesses of 12 identified suspects, leading to the arrest of three individuals—including a 22-year-old believed to be orchestrating the drug distribution network. In the course of these raids, officers confiscated weapons, large sums of cash, and luxury watches, further highlighting the extensive nature of the drug ring. The original pizzeria manager was later rearrested while attempting to flee the country and remains in police custody. Mr. Moltke from the police department noted that item number 40 had been amongst the pizzeria’s top-selling dishes, although further details, such as the selling price of the drug-laced pizza, have not been disclosed.
