What's happened
A Düsseldorf pizzeria, famous for its 'pizza no. 40', was found to be delivering cocaine alongside its orders. Following a police investigation, the restaurant's manager was arrested, leading to the dismantling of a drug ring involving multiple suspects. Authorities seized significant quantities of drugs and cash during the operation.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, police had been monitoring the pizzeria since March, when a routine inspection uncovered drugs in the kitchen. Chief Inspector Michael Graf von Moltke noted, 'It was one of the most-sold pizzas,' indicating the surprising popularity of the illicit offering. The Independent reported that the manager attempted to dispose of evidence when police arrived, throwing a bag of drugs out the window, which 'fell right into the arms of the officers.' This incident underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in combating organized crime, particularly when it intersects with everyday businesses. Metro highlighted the irony of the pizzeria's slogan, 'We deliver everything home to you,' which now takes on a darker meaning. The coordinated police operation led to the arrest of multiple suspects and the seizure of significant quantities of drugs and cash, illustrating the scale of the drug ring operating in the region.
How we got here
The investigation began in March 2024 when food inspectors discovered drugs in the pizzeria's kitchen. Police surveillance revealed the restaurant's illicit activities, prompting a larger operation to uncover the drug network behind the operation.
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