In a shocking turn of events in Düsseldorf, authorities have dismantled a notorious drug gang linked to a local pizzeria known for its popular “Pizza No 40.” This pizza, which was a major hit among patrons, turned out to have a hidden ingredient: cocaine.

Ch Insp Michael Graf von Moltke explained that police had targeted the establishment, located in a vibrant party district, since March. This investigation was ignited by a routine food inspection that revealed illegal drugs in the kitchen. Following this discovery, narcotics investigators closely monitored the restaurant and noticed the surprising popularity of Pizza No 40 among customers.

“It was one of the most-sold pizzas,” Von Moltke stated. He added that each pizza was found to come with a packet of cocaine, which was shocking to the authorities because the owner had no prior history of drug-related crimes.

The pizzeria’s catchy slogan, “We deliver everything home to you,” took on a new meaning amid the investigation. The exact pricing and toppings for Pizza No 40 remain undisclosed, as a police spokesperson confirmed, “Even if we knew, we wouldn’t release it.”

As the crackdown unfolded, officers seized 1.6 kg of cocaine, 400 g of cannabis, and a staggering €268,000 in cash, alongside luxury watches and various weapons, including a handgun and knives. When authorities sought to question the 36-year-old Croatian owner, he attempted to discard a bag of drugs, which landed directly in the hands of responding officers.

Following his brief release due to a clean criminal record, the owner reopened the pizzeria, unwittingly allowing investigators to trace his drug supply chain. This led them to uncover a “violent and unscrupulous” suspect, a 22-year-old Russian-born mixed martial arts fighter with a known history of criminal activity. He’s suspected of dealing not just cocaine but also large quantities of cannabis, despite recent changes in drug laws. Allegations against him include kidnapping and violent confrontations with rival dealers.

Alongside the Russian suspect, two other individuals—a 30-year-old German from Cologne and a 28-year-old Moroccan—are in custody. With the owner of the pizzeria now back in detention and the business shuttered, the investigation continues with around 12 additional suspects under scrutiny.

Prosecutor Laura Neumann revealed that the gang was involved in acquiring significant quantities of drugs, alongside cultivating marijuana in private residences. In one home in Mönchengladbach, police discovered over 300 marijuana plants, which raised further concerns since the suspect’s wife and their three children were living there. The children have since been placed in foster care.

Neumann indicated that the Russian suspect, who moved to Germany as a teenager, could face up to 15 years in prison for drugs and kidnapping charges. In a bizarre twist, local media drew parallels between this real-life incident and the 2001 cult comedy “Lammbock,” where pizzeria owners deliver pizzas with hidden cannabis. Adding to the flurry of drug-related arrests, Berlin police recently apprehended a 24-year-old driver allegedly hiding cocaine in soft drink cans.