How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast): Wahrheit oder Dichtung?
Ah yes, "How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)," the whip-smart German comedy that had us binging and yelling at our screens in equal measure. But beneath the dark humor and EDM-fueled schemes, one burning question lingered: Ist die Geschichte wahr? (Is the story real?)
Let's grab some zuckerfreie gummy bears (because let's face it, after watching the show, real sugar seems suspect) and dive down the rabbit hole.
The Real-Life "Shiny Flakes" Empire (Spoiler Alert: Not So Shiny)
The show takes inspiration from the wilde Geschichte (crazy story) of Maximilian S. (they changed his name for the show, probably to avoid a lawsuit or two). In 2013, this enterprising (and slightly unhinged) teenager from Leipzig, Germany, started an online drug empire from his bedroom. He called it Shiny Flakes, and it became a million-dollar Geheimoperation (secret operation).
Think about it: a teenager running a dark web marketplace from his mom's basement. Sounds like the plot of a teen comedy, except with much higher stakes (and way less attractive love interests).
But Hold On, There's More! (The Plot Thickens)
Here's where things get interessant (interesting). Maximilian wasn't exactly a Walter White mastermind. His operation relied on Glück (luck) and a whole lot of Naivität (naivete). He used his chemistry skills (learned in school, not the dark web) to figure out the basics of Ecstasy production, then set up shop online.
His rise to Drogenbaron (drug lord) status was fueled by good marketing (seriously, his website was slick) and some major Schlamperei (sloppiness) from the authorities. It all came crashing down when a rival vendor snitched him out.
Lesson learned: don't tick off your competitors, especially in the illegal drug trade.
So, How Real is "How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)"?
The show takes some liberties, of course. They amp up the drama, throw in a healthy dose of teenage romance, and make the whole thing a lot more fun than real-life drug dealing (which, trust us, is not fun).
But the core of the story? The rise and fall of Maximilian S. and his Shiny Flakes empire? Das ist ziemlich real (That's pretty real).
So next time you fire up an episode, remember: this outrageous dark comedy is rooted in a tale that's as unbelievable as it is true. Just maybe don't try this at home (or anywhere, really). Stick to gummy bears (the zuckerfreie kind).
