Police raided a pizza shop in western Germany after allegedly offering cocaine to customers who ordered item number 40 on the menu.
Authorities were tipped off about the scheme by food inspectors in March, and Drug Enforcement Administration agents began monitoring the restaurant, Detective Chief Michael Graf von Moltke said on Monday.
Düsseldorf police said when police went to the pizza shop owner’s apartment, the 36-year-old threw a bag of drugs out the window, which “fell into the officers' arms.” .
Police found 1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds) of cocaine, 400 grams (14.1 ounces) of cannabis and 268,000 euros (223,120 pounds) in cash inside the flat.
The restaurant manager was released by police a few days later, reopened the restaurant, and continued selling the drug and pizza combination.
Investigators used the opportunity to investigate the drug supply chain to pizzerias, leading to the bust of a drug ring in western Germany a few weeks later.
Approximately 150 police officers searched two cannabis farms. One with 300 plants was discovered in Mönchengladbach, west of Düsseldorf, and the other with 60 plants in Solingen, east of the city.
The homes and businesses of 12 suspects were also searched, resulting in the arrest of three people, including a 22-year-old suspect who was said to be in charge of the drug investigation.
Police also found weapons, cash and an expensive watch during the search.
The pizza shop owner was rearrested while attempting to leave the country and remains in custody.
“No. 40 was one of our best-selling pizzas,” Moltke said.
Police have not released the names of other people involved in the drug operation or the price of the pizza and cocaine combination.
