Police raid restaurant after pizza with side of cocaine becomes customers’ favourite

German police uncovered a drug supply chain operating through a pizza restaurant after one of its menu items containing cocaine became customers’ favourite.

The incident occurred in the western city of Düsseldorf, where a pizzeria was renowned for its 'number 40' dish, which included cocaine.

“That was one of the best-selling pizzas,” criminal director Michael Graf von Moltke told the media on Monday.

The restaurant had been under police surveillance for several months after food inspectors reported suspicious activity at the place in March.

As the police continued their investigation, they discovered the reason for the restaurant's 'number 40' dish's popularity among customers.

Officials did not disclose the price of the specific menu item.

After gathering information, police contacted the 36-year-old pizzeria manager at his apartment. He hastily threw a bag of drugs out of the window, which 'fell right into the arms of the police officers."

According to Düsseldorf police, the bag contained 1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds) of cocaine, 400 grams (14.1 ounces) of cannabis, and 268,000 euros ($290,378) in cash.

The suspect was released a few days later and continued selling his 'number 40' dish while a team of 150 officers uncovered the entire supply chain in western Germany, leading to the arrest of the 22-year-old ringleader.

Three more suspects were also apprehended while police raided the homes and businesses of 12 other individuals.

Their names have not been released due to German privacy laws.

The cops also found two cannabis plantations in nearby cities, along with weapons, cash and luxury watches.

The main suspect was a Russian man involved in buying and selling drugs to various dealers. The pizzeria manager was also arrested while attempting to flee the country.