In Düsseldorf, Germany, a popular pizza became the center of a shocking police investigation. Known as Pizza No. 40, it was one of the best-selling dishes at a local restaurant. But it wasn’t just the pizza that had people talking—it was what Germany police found hidden within it: cocaine.
Authorities say this discovery led to a major breakthrough. It helped them uncover a drug operation in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populated state. About 150 police officers, including special forces, raided 16 locations across nine cities. They arrested three people and found several weapons, according to local reports.
Chief Inspector Michael Graf von Moltke revealed that the pizzeria, located in a busy party district of Düsseldorf, had been under police watch since March. A routine food inspection first uncovered the drugs in the kitchen. This led narcotics officers to keep a close eye on the business.
Investigators soon noticed that Pizza No. 40 was a popular choice among customers. “It was one of the most-sold pizzas,” said Von Moltke. What shocked police even more was how the drugs were hidden—a packet of cocaine was tucked under each pie.
“That was new to us and surprised us because the owner had never been accused of drug crimes,” he added.
Bag stuffed with drugs thrown out the window at pizza shop in Germany
The pizzeria’s slogan, “We deliver everything home to you,” now has a different meaning after the recent drug bust. Authorities have not disclosed the price or specific toppings of Pizza No. 40. When asked, a police spokesperson said, “Even if we knew, we wouldn’t release it.”
A Pizzeria was raided by police after being tipped off that the restaurant was selling Cocaine as a side-item.
Customers were served the drug when ordering item number 40 on the menu. It is reported that it was one of their best-selling pizzas. pic.twitter.com/0A5Z6IyCd5
— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 23, 2024
When police went to question the 36-year-old owner, a Croatian national, things took an unexpected turn. He allegedly threw a bag filled with drugs out the window. “It fell into the arms of the officers,” police said.
Police seized 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, 400 grams of cannabis, and €268,000 ($290,000) in cash during the raid. They also found luxury watches, a handgun, an axe, and long knives, which authorities believe were part of the gang’s weapons stash.
Despite being released from custody just two days later due to his clean criminal record, the pizzeria owner quickly reopened his shop and resumed selling his popular pizza. This allowed investigators to continue tracking his drug supply chain.
Investigators soon identified a key suspect, described as “violent and unscrupulous” by Chief Inspector Von Moltke. The suspect, a 22-year-old mixed martial arts fighter born in Russia, was already known to police.
Authorities believe he was involved in trafficking cocaine and large quantities of cannabis despite recent changes to drug laws intended to relax restrictions.
