BERLIN — Authorities in Germany have shut down a pizzeria located in Düsseldorf, where customers could reportedly request cocaine along with their pizza when ordering a particular item on the menu. The illicit combination became a popular favorite among patrons.

Police officials shared that the investigation began in March following a report from food inspectors who observed suspicious activities linked to the pizzeria. As drug enforcement officers began monitoring the establishment, they quickly understood the reason behind the overwhelming demand for the specific pizza item, known as number 40.

In a recent press briefing, police recounted an incident where the pizzeria’s manager, a 36-year-old man, attempted to dispose of a bag of drugs by tossing it from his apartment window when officers arrived. Unfortunately for him, the bag landed directly in front of the police, who found approximately 1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds) of cocaine, alongside 400 grams (14.1 ounces) of cannabis and a substantial amount of cash totaling 268,000 euros (approximately $290,378).

Authorities revealed that after being temporarily detained, the manager reopened the pizzeria and resumed selling pizza number 40 with the same drug accompaniment. This act provided law enforcement with an opportunity to further investigate the drug supply chain. Over several weeks, this led to a significant operation involving around 150 police officers who dismantled an entire drug network operating in western Germany. The operation culminated in the arrest of three individuals, including a 22-year-old who was identified as the leader of the drug operations, and prompted raids on the homes and businesses of an additional twelve suspects.

During the course of these raids, authorities uncovered two cannabis cultivation sites located in Mönchengladbach and Solingen, which contained 300 and 60 plants respectively. Law enforcement also seized various weapons, cash, and luxury watches during their extensive searches.

The pizzeria manager was apprehended as he attempted to escape the country and is currently in custody, while the identities of the suspects involved have not been disclosed in accordance with German privacy laws. The police have yet to confirm the price of the pizzeria’s controversial special order.