In the German city of Düsseldorf, a pizzeria intrigued locals with its famous pizza number 40, but this recipe quickly took an unexpected turn. Indeed, this pizzeria did not just serve pizza dough; it concocted a surprising blend of cocaine as an add-on. This phenomenon caught the attention of the authorities who dismantled an unsuspected drug trafficking network, revealing a strange reality behind a simple home delivery.
How did a pizza become a symbol of drug trafficking?
In the city of Düsseldorf, an astonishing phenomenon emerged, rekindling interest in criminal cases in Germany. The case in question revolves around a pizza, pizza number 40, which not only won the hearts of customers but also allowed a network of drug traffickers to thrive. This seemingly ordinary pizzeria transformed its menu into a showcase for drugs, hiding bags of cocaine beneath the pizza. Deliveries were requested in bulk, illustrating the unprecedented public enthusiasm for this specialty.
What started as a simple pizzeria quickly evolved into a delivery point for illicit substances. The police, alerted by a health inspection, discovered compromising elements in the kitchen. Pizza number 40 then became a symbol of a surprisingly well-established criminal industry, linking gastronomy to illegal activities. The success of this dish represented a double life for the restaurant, loved by customers and at the heart of illegality.
What clues led to the arrest of the suspects?
Investigators quickly realized that something particularly suspicious surrounded pizza number 40. During prior surveillance, they observed dense activity around this dish. Each order passed through the hands of the delivery drivers, but with a dose of cocaine included, hidden in the boxes. With every delivery call, apprehension grew about how a restaurant could mask such an illegal activity while continuing to operate.
This situation was revealed thanks to:
- Regular health inspections that uncovered prohibited substances.
- Testimonies from former clients who eventually admitted the presence of drugs.
- A thorough investigation by law enforcement, demonstrating an underground ballet of deliveries.
These elements led, in less time than expected, to the establishment of a large-scale operation to dismantle the network.
What was the reaction of the pizzeria owner?
Faced with the police’s intrusion, the pizzeria owner, a person of Croatian origin, reacted unpredictably. Realizing that he was about to be apprehended, he made a desperate gesture: he threw a bag containing drugs out the window in hopes of escaping capture. Unfortunately for him, the police were already on his tail and intercepted the contents. This clumsy attempt did not allow him to escape this new reality.
His arrest and that of his accomplices was seen as a strong signal, resonating throughout the city to put an end to such practices. The police confiscated:
- More than 1.5 kg of cocaine.
- 400 grams of cannabis.
- A colossal sum of 268,000 euros in cash.
A true police operation that proved gastronomy should not get involved in illegal affairs.
Why did the demand for pizza number 40 explode?
The excitement surrounding pizza number 40 may seem surprising, especially when considering such a mix of cuisine and illegal trade. However, this pizza was not just a tasty dish; it offered a promise of escape for some clients. With quick deliveries and a beloved taste, it represented much more than just a meal for them. For others, it was a unique experience. This blend of sensations led many customers to rush to the pizzeria.
The success of pizza number 40 can be explained by several factors:
- The pizzeria’s reputation for culinary excellence, attracting a diverse clientele.
- The speed of the deliveries, adding a thrill to the daily experience.
- Rumors circulating about the possibility of obtaining an unusual supplement when ordering.
All these reasons facilitated the rise of this dish, placing it at the heart of local discussions and creating a vicious circle of interest.
How did the police manage to dismantle the network?
The implementation of an operation to dismantle this complex trafficking network required meticulous coordination between different police services. Through targeted investigations and surveillance techniques, the police were able to establish links between the pizzeria and a vast scheme of illegality distribution. Officers worked tirelessly to map delivery routes and identify the network members hiding behind this restaurant facade.
Law enforcement also called upon:
- Undercover agents to infiltrate the network.
- Data analysis to track the restaurant’s financial operations.
- Testimonies from former employees who chose to speak out.
These concerted efforts ultimately led to the arrest of several key members, transforming a pizza into a genuine means of eradicating a flourishing criminal activity in the region.
What impacts on the local community?
The cocaine pizza case has elicited mixed reactions within the Düsseldorf community. On one hand, concerns have been raised about the impact such illegal activities can have on the city’s reputation. On the other hand, this incident also opened the door to serious discussions on the fight against drug trafficking and the preventive measures to be implemented. Residents became aware of the hidden realities behind certain businesses and the importance of collective vigilance.
Community initiatives may now emerge to counter similar threats, including:
- Educational programs on the dangers of drugs.
- Strengthening collaboration between businesses and law enforcement.
- Discussions within schools on drug awareness.
For the city, this case served as a warning to highlight the need for constant vigilance against criminal activities disguised under innocent appearances.

The surprising case of the cocaine pizza in Düsseldorf illustrates how a simple establishment can transform into an epicenter of organized crime due to a misunderstanding. This story begins innocently but quickly reveals a network of drug traffickers exploiting home deliveries to distribute cocaine under the guise of a popular dish. The excitement generated by this culinary specialty ultimately awakened the interest and attention of law enforcement, paving the way for a meticulous investigation.
Weeks of investigation conducted by the police shed light on the effectiveness of a health inspection that uncovered illegal activities hidden behind appetizing products. This narrative raises questions about ethical business practices and the impact of drugs in such an unexpected setting as a pizzeria. More than 1.5 kg of cocaine was seized, demonstrating the scale of illegal operations being conducted from this establishment. The case reminds us that even the most ordinary elements of our daily lives can hide very dark realities.