**German Pizzeria Busted for Serving Cocaine with Pizza Orders**

A pizzeria in western Germany was found to be offering an illicit side dish with certain pizza orders. According to authorities, customers who ordered item number 40 on the menu received a serving of cocaine along with their food.

The scheme was uncovered in March when food inspectors provided the initial tip to the police. The drug squad subsequently placed the restaurant under surveillance, explained criminal director Michael Graf von Moltke. The pizzeria's manager, a 36-year-old man, was apprehended at his apartment. In an alarming turn of events, the manager attempted to dispose of a bag of drugs by throwing it out of his window, but it landed directly in the arms of waiting officers.

During the raid, police seized 1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds) of cocaine, 400 grams (14.1 ounces) of cannabis, and €268,000 (£223,120) in cash from the manager's apartment. Surprisingly, he was released by police a few days later and resumed operations at his pizzeria, continuing the illegal activity.

This lapse in custody allowed investigators to further probe the drug distribution network tied to the pizzeria, culminating in a major bust weeks later. About 150 officers executed raids on two cannabis plantations in the region, one in Mönchengladbach and another in Solingen. These operations led to the discovery of 360 cannabis plants in total.

Authorities also conducted raids on the homes and businesses of 12 suspects, resulting in the arrest of three individuals, including a 22-year-old believed to be the ringleader. During these raids, police also confiscated weapons, money, and luxury watches.

The pizzeria manager was eventually rearrested while attempting to flee the country and is now in custody. The authorities have noted that item number 40 was a particularly popular choice among patrons, though they have not released specific details regarding the price of this illegal pizza-and-cocaine combination or the identities of others involved in the operation.