Düsseldorf police have arrested three individuals linked to a drug ring operating out of a local pizzeria.
On October 17, authorities seized large quantities of cocaine, weed, weapons, and cash after discovering that illicit substances were being delivered alongside pizza orders.
The bust was made public during a press conference, where criminal director Michael Graf von Moltke revealed that the drug ring had cleverly disguised their operations by delivering cocaine to customers who ordered item number 40 from the pizzeria’s menu.
This particular item had gained popularity, leading to suspicion among local food inspectors, who tipped off the police earlier this year.
Upon further investigation, authorities uncovered that the pizzeria’s manager, a 36-year-old man, was heavily involved in the drug distribution. When officers arrived at his apartment, the manager attempted to dispose of the drugs by throwing them out of the window.
The bag of narcotics, however, landed directly in the hands of the awaiting officers. Inside his residence, police found over three pounds of cocaine, 14 ounces of marijuana, and approximately $290,000 in cash.
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Following his initial arrest, the pizzeria manager was released but was later apprehended once again after attempting to flee. Authorities allege that even after his first arrest, he resumed his illegal activities, leading to further police monitoring and the eventual dismantling of the drug operation.
During their crackdown, police searched 16 properties, resulting in the arrest of the 22-year-old leader of the drug ring and two other suspects. The raids also uncovered two marijuana plantations with 360 plants in total.
The suspects are now being investigated on charges of commercial drug trafficking and kidnapping for ransom.
