On July 23, 2007, at 11:30 am, Narcotics Investigators from the Santa Monica Police Department served arrest and search warrants at the Pavilion Motel, located at 2338 Ocean Park Boulevard in the Sunset Park area of Santa Monica. This operation was the result of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Santa Monica Police Department into allegations of rampant drug activity occurring at and near the motel. The operation began with the arrest of Saeed Farzam, who is the owner of the Pavilion Motel. Farzam was arrested after he purchased what he believed to be stolen electronic equipment during an undercover police sting. A search warrant was served upon the Santa Monica residence of Saeed Farzam where additional evidence was recovered. Farzam was booked for receiving stolen property at the Santa Monica Jail and his bail is set at $20,000.

Later the same day, Narcotics Investigators went to the Pavilion Motel and served additional arrest and search warrants. Ten persons were arrested at the motel for a variety of narcotics-related crimes and for parole and probation violations. Additional arrests are anticipated.

The City of Santa Monica’s Building and Safety Division, Code Compliance, Santa Monica Fire Department and the County Health Department conducted an inspection of the Pavilion Motel pursuant to an administrative warrant. The inspectors determined that several code violations were present and posted the structure with a “Yellow Tag” notice. The “Yellow Tag” status prohibits persons from renting rooms or staying at the motel until the violations are repaired. Tenants will be allowed to access their motel rooms in order to obtain their personal possessions. The Police Department assisted four indigent persons with finding temporary housing.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Narcotics Detail of the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8455.