Stuttgart: Drug dealer in custody after police chase
A dramatic police operation in Stuttgart-Degerloch and Möhringen ended on Friday evening, 10 July 2026, with the arrest of a 23-year-old man suspected of dealing in narcotics. Together with a 25-year-old alleged accomplice, he is believed to have fled before a planned police check. The public prosecutor's office and Stuttgart Police Headquarters released details of the incident and simultaneously called on witnesses and possible victims to contact traffic police.
Flight before the check at Albplatz
The incident began at around 6:00 p.m. at Albplatz. Police officers noticed a VW Passat travelling towards Tübingen. The vehicle apparently caught the attention of patrol officers due to its driving behaviour or other features that suggested a check was warranted. About 200 metres before the exit to Sigmaringer Straße, officers attempted to stop the vehicle for a check. Instead of pulling over, the driver accelerated and fled. The pursuit continued via the exit to the SI centre and Epplestraße onto Kurt-Schumacher-Straße, one of the main traffic arteries in southern Stuttgart.
During the escape, the driver is said to have run several red lights. The risky drive ended in Stöfflerweg, where both occupants could not continue because of a barrier. They then got out of the car and fled on foot into a nearby forest. Alerted police officers arrested both men there shortly afterwards.
Drug finds during searches
During searches of the suspects, officers found around 12 grams of cocaine on the 23-year-old. The substance was apparently on his person and suggests he was carrying the drugs either for personal use or for immediate handover. Investigations then focused on the arrested man's apartment in Stuttgart. There, police discovered a further approximately 14 grams of cocaine, just under 20 grams of ketamine, 250 grams of marijuana and 100 grams of hashish. Investigators also found items suggesting professional drug dealing, including utensils for packaging and storing narcotics.
Overview of seized narcotics
- Cocaine: a total of around 26 grams (12 grams on the suspect, 14 grams in the apartment)
- Ketamine: just under 20 grams in the apartment
- Marijuana: 250 grams in the apartment
- Hashish: 100 grams in the apartment
The quantities and items found support the suspicion that the 23-year-old was not only using drugs but actively trading in illegal substances. Which of the two men was driving the escape vehicle is subject to further investigation by the public prosecutor's office and police.
Blood samples and detention order
Both suspects were suspected of being under the influence of drugs. They were therefore required to provide blood samples for forensic examination. The results of laboratory tests may be significant for further investigations and possible charges. The 23-year-old German national was brought before a detention judge on Saturday, 11 July 2026. The judge reviewed the grounds for detention and executed the arrest warrant already issued. The suspect was subsequently committed to a correctional facility.
His alleged accomplice was released after police measures were completed. Whether and to what extent criminal proceedings will also be initiated against the 25-year-old depends on the outcome of ongoing investigations. Authorities are examining, among other things, the scope of the alleged dealing, the role of both men and possible further accomplices.
Witness appeal by traffic police
Given the risky escape involving multiple traffic light violations, police are seeking witnesses and possible victims. Motorists and pedestrians who were on Kurt-Schumacher-Straße, Epplestraße or in the Stöfflerweg area on Friday evening may have made important observations. Anyone affected or who observed the incident is asked to contact traffic police on +49 711 8990 4100. Information from the public could be significant both for clarifying traffic offences and for the drug investigation. Dashcam footage or photos from the relevant period would also be helpful to investigators.
The operation illustrates how closely traffic and narcotics offences can be linked in practice. What began as a routine traffic check at Albplatz developed within minutes into a pursuit posing considerable danger to other road users. The subsequent arrests and drug finds mark the start of broader criminal proceedings against the 23-year-old now in custody.
Background on the operation area
Stuttgart-Degerloch and Möhringen are located in the south of the state capital and are characterised by busy connecting roads such as Kurt-Schumacher-Straße and routes towards Tübingen. Police regularly conduct checks in these areas to uncover both traffic offences and drug-related crime. This case shows that such checks can escalate into dynamic pursuit situations.
Investigators are now focusing on evaluating the seized evidence. In addition to the narcotics and items associated with dealing, blood samples and possible witness statements play a central role. State criminal police experts will examine the drugs for purity and composition. Based on the findings available, the Stuttgart public prosecutor's office will decide on further steps in proceedings against the suspected drug dealer. In addition to illegal drug dealing, the accused also faces criminal consequences for the dangerous escape and traffic violations.
