SMPD arrests 11 in raid on Sunset Park motel; owner busted
By EMILY SKEHAN Special to the Daily Press
SUNSET PARK A local nesting ground for illegal activity was shut down Monday morning when narcotics investigators arrested 11 individuals on various charges at the Pavilion Motel on Ocean Park Boulevard.
“Something is always happening there,” said Rafiq Muhammed, owner of a convenience store across the street from the motel. “Drugs, prostitution, violence — they must have finally gotten fed up and shut it down.”
After receiving numerous complaints about rampant drug activity in and around the motel, the Santa Monica Police Department conducted an operation that began Monday with the arrest of owner Saeed Farzam.
Farzam was busted after he purchased what he believed to be stolen electronic equipment during an undercover police sting. He was booked for receiving stolen property at Santa Monica Jail and a search warrant recovered additional evidence at his residence. Farzam’s bail was set at $20,000.
Later that afternoon, SMPD investigators entered the Pavilion Motel and arrested an additional 10 people on a variety of narcotics-related crimes, as well as for parole and probation violations.
The city’s Building and Safety Division, Code Compliance, Santa Monica Fire Department and County Health Department also were called to the scene. Pursuant to an administrative warrant, officers from the various departments conducted an inspection and found several code violations.
The closed motel was subsequently plastered with “yellow tag” notices, meaning that people are prohibited from renting rooms or staying at the hotel until the violations are repaired. Tenants will only be allowed to access their motel rooms in order to obtain their personal possessions.
Officers assisted four persons who had been staying at the motel find temporary housing.
“We have been monitoring this motel for over a month,” said SMPD Lt. Alex Padilla.
“It’s been a real big issue for everyone in the Sunset Park community,” Padilla continued. “We’re hoping that these arrests will be the start in improving the quality of life for the residents of this community.”
Padilla explained that the raid is part of an ongoing investigation at the site, and more arrests are expected.
Some nearby residents were relieved that the structure has been shut down — at least, temporarily.
“I’ve lived here for 12 years,” said Brendan O’Brien on Tuesday. “I moved here from Venice because I thought ‘Oh, Venice is too dangerous,’ and then the day I moved in there was a murder at that motel.
“Everybody in the neighborhood knows that stuff is constantly happening there.”
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Narcotics Detail of the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8455.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 25, 2007. Read the original PDF.