In brief
A series of investigations led by German police exposed a pizzeria serving cocaine alongside its menu items, culminating in multiple arrests and the dismantling of a larger drug ring in the region.
In a startling turn of events, German police have uncovered a sophisticated drug operation linked to a pizzeria in western Germany, where customers reportedly received cocaine as a side order with their pizza. This bizarre scheme came to light after food inspectors tipped off authorities back in March, prompting an ongoing surveillance operation by drug enforcement officers, according to criminal director Michael Graf von Moltke.Upon attempting to detain the 36-year-old pizzeria manager at his residence, police allege he discarded a bag of drugs through a window, which serendipitously landed in the hands of the officers waiting outside. Following a search of his apartment, authorities discovered an astonishing 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, 400 grams of cannabis, and approximately €268,000 in cash.Interestingly, after his initial release, the restaurant manager reopened his establishment and continued selling the illicit drug alongside his culinary offerings. This motivated investigators to delve deeper into the pizzeria’s supply chain, which ultimately led to the collapse of an extensive drug trafficking ring in western Germany.In subsequent raids orchestrated with around 150 police officers, investigators dismantled two cannabis plantations, discovering 300 marijuana plants in Mönchengladbach and an additional 60 plants in Solingen. Along with these seizures, the raids targeted 12 suspects’ residences and businesses, culminating in the arrest of three individuals, one of whom is suspected to be the mastermind behind the drug operation.The conflicts escalated further when police uncovered various weapons, cash, and luxury watches during these investigations. Authorities have since rearrested the pizzeria manager as he attempted to flee the country, and he now remains in custody awaiting further proceedings. The police have so far kept the identities of other individuals involved in this operation under wraps, alongside any specific pricing details for the nefarious pizza and cocaine combination that ironically became one of the establishment's top-sellers.
