German Pizzeria Caught Serving Cocaine Alongside Pizza in Shocking Drug Bust in Düsseldorf

In a bizarre discovery, police in Düsseldorf, Germany, have uncovered a secret ingredient in one of the city’s most popular pizzas—cocaine. Cocaine Pizza – Pizza No. 40, a top-seller at a local German pizzeria, was found to come with an unexpected side of illicit narcotics, leading authorities to crack down on an organized crime ring in North Rhine-Westphalia. The investigation began in March when a routine food inspection at the pizzeria led to the discovery of drugs hidden in the kitchen. This prompted a months-long surveillance operation, during which authorities noticed that German Pizza No. 40 was particularly popular with customers. However, it wasn’t just the quality of the pizza driving its success—a packet of cocaine was placed under each pie.

According to Chief Inspector Michael Graf von Moltke, the delivery method was a surprise, as the pizzeria owner had no prior record of drug-related offences. The restaurant’s slogan, “We deliver everything home to you,” took on a more sinister meaning as police delved deeper into the operation.

During a raid last week, around 150 officers from elite units searched 16 properties in nine cities, arresting three suspects and seizing 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, 400 grams of cannabis, €268,000 in cash, weapons, and expensive watches. The primary suspect is a 22-year-old Russian-born mixed martial arts fighter who is believed to have orchestrated the drug distribution. He was already known to authorities for dealing large quantities of cannabis and cocaine and for violent encounters with rival dealers.

In a brazen twist, the 36-year-old Croatian pizzeria owner reopened his shop just two days after being released from custody, selling his blockbuster pizza again. This move allowed Düsseldorf investigators to track his supply chain further, ultimately capturing several more suspects. The police have described the drug ring as “violent and unscrupulous,” with one member allegedly holding a rival dealer hostage for two nights in a robbery.

The pizzeria owner, who has been in custody since August, is now facing severe charges alongside 12 other suspects. The authorities revealed that the gang also grew their own marijuana, with one location housing over 300 plants.

This strange case echoes the plot of the 2001 German cult comedy Lammbock, in which pizzeria owners hide cannabis in their deliveries. However, this real-life crime is no laughing matter, as those involved face lengthy prison sentences for narcotics felonies and other charges.