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Pizza with a Dangerous Twist: Düsseldorf Restaurant's Secret Menu Item Leads to Drug Bust
German authorities have uncovered an audacious drug trafficking operation in Düsseldorf, where a local pizzeria was discovered delivering cocaine alongside its regular menu items. The scheme, which centered around the innocuous-sounding "Pizza No. 40," came to light following routine food inspections that raised red flags with local officials.
Criminal Director Michael Graf von Moltke noted that the suspicious menu item had become one of the establishment's most popular offerings, with customers understanding that ordering "No. 40" would secure them both a slice of pizza and a dose of cocaine.
The investigation began in March when food inspectors' concerns prompted drug squad intervention. During an initial raid on the pizzeria manager's apartment, the suspect attempted to dispose of evidence by throwing a bag out of his window. In an ironic twist, the package landed directly in the hands of waiting police officers below. The seized contents included 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, 400 grams of cannabis, and approximately $290,378 in cash.
Despite being briefly detained, the manager resumed operations shortly after his release, brazenly continuing to offer the illicit "No. 40" special. This persistence triggered a more extensive investigation, ultimately leading to the dismantling of a broader drug network operating throughout Western Germany.
The expanded operation culminated in multiple arrests, including the pizzeria manager, who was apprehended while attempting to flee the country. He remains in custody as authorities continue their investigation into the full scope of the operation.
The case highlights the increasingly creative methods drug traffickers employ to distribute illegal substances, blending their operations with legitimate businesses to avoid detection. The pizzeria's scheme represents a particularly bold attempt to hide in plain sight, using the cover of a popular local restaurant to conduct their illegal trade.