Directed Patrol Officers observed a subject engaged in suspected narcotics sales near the Royal Grand Inn, 1519 E. 1st St., according to the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD).
The subject fled on foot and was apprehended after a brief pursuit, during which a satchel was discarded and recovered.
The satchel contained approximately 72 grams of suspected fentanyl and $2,000 in U.S. currency.
Subsequent search warrants led to the recovery of a P80-style handgun with a threaded barrel, additional suspected narcotics, and items consistent with narcotics distribution.
Penalties faced by the Suspect
Based on the details provided and current 2026 California and federal law, the suspect faces multiple felony charges with significant prison time.
Potential Penalties
The suspect faces a combination of charges related to drug trafficking and firearm possession.
- Possession for Sale of Fentanyl (Health & Safety Code § 11351): As a felony, this carries a base sentence of 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison and fines up to $20,000.
- Armed with a Firearm while Possessing Narcotics (Health & Safety Code § 11370.1): Possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded, operable firearm is a separate felony punishable by 2, 3, or 4 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Firearm Sentencing Enhancements (Penal Code § 12022): Being armed during the commission of a drug felony can add a consecutive 3 to 5 years to the base drug sentence.
- Federal Penalties: If prosecuted federally, possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl triggers a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years in prison. Under the Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act of 2025, the threshold for mandatory minimums for high-level offenders was reduced to 20 grams.
- Other Charges: The suspect likely faces additional charges for:
- Resisting or Evading Arrest: Due to the foot pursuit.
- Possession of an Unserialized Firearm: For the “P80-style” (ghost gun) handgun.
- Weapon Enhancements: For the threaded barrel, which can classify the handgun as an assault weapon in California.
Street Value of Seized Drugs
The estimated street value of the 72 grams of suspected fentanyl ranges significantly based on purity and market conditions.
- Retail/Gram Pricing: On the street, fentanyl typically sells for $50 to $200 per gram.
- Total Estimated Value: Based on these rates, the 72 grams recovered have an estimated street value between $3,600 and $14,400.
- Context: Law enforcement and the DEA often value larger seizures based on potential retail “dosage units” (pills or 0.1g bags), which could result in a higher reported valuation.
Crime History at the Royal Grand Inn and Royal Roman Motel in Santa Ana
The Royal Grand Inn (1519 E. 1st St.) and its immediate neighbor, the Royal Roman Motel (1504 E. 1st St.), have been focal points for criminal activity in Santa Ana, described by city officials as “drug dens” that have plagued the community for years.
Between 2022 and 2025, the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) responded to 1,441 calls for service at these properties and the adjacent El Tapatio Restaurant, with 584 of those calls specifically tied to the Royal Grand Inn.
Key Crime Trends (2023–2026) Near These Motels
- Narcotics Distribution: Major drug busts occur frequently at these locations. In early 2025, police conducted operations that resulted in the seizure of large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, Xanax, and counterfeit M30 pills.
- Weapon Possession: High-risk items, including firearms and ammunition, are regularly recovered during searches. In one January 2025 incident, SAPD officers found a training grenade along with narcotics and ammunition at the Royal Grand Inn.
- Human Trafficking and Prostitution: Residents and officials have long reported rampant human trafficking and open prostitution in the 1500 block of East 1st Street.
- Nuisance and Violent Crimes: Reports include open drug use, vandalism, battery, and illegal gambling.
Notable Examples of Arrests Near These Motels
- Drug and Weapons Arrest (January 2025): Officers conducted a compliance check at the Royal Grand Inn, resulting in the arrest of a man and woman after discovering narcotics and what was initially suspected to be a live grenade.
- Multi-Drug Seizure (February 2025): A search at the Royal Roman Motel (directly across the street) uncovered 582g of methamphetamine, 48g of fentanyl, 293 assorted pills, 89 rounds of ammunition, and a stolen motorcycle.
- Human Trafficking Bust (October 2025): Motel owners along the East 1st Street corridor were arrested in a coordinated operation targeting human trafficking and hazardous living conditions.
- Preliminary Injunction (November 2025): Following the “staggering” volume of police calls, a judge granted the City of Santa Ana a preliminary injunction against the Royal Grand Inn and its neighbors, labeling them a public nuisance and requiring 24-hour security and “Do Not Rent” lists to bar known criminals.
The Royal Grand Inn and the neighboring Royal Roman Motel are owned by Kyong Su Kim and Myong Kim.
According to legal filings and local news reports through January 2026, the ownership details are as follows:
- Primary Owners: Kyong Su Kim and Myong Kim, identified as a couple in their 60s, are listed as the owners of both motel properties and the land housing the adjacent Mariscos El Tapatio y Antojitos restaurant.
- Corporate Entities: The motels are managed through entities including Royal Grand Inc., Royal Grand Inn LLC, Royal Motel, Inc., and Royal Roman Motel, LLC.
- Other Involved Parties: Nayan Ahir and Ravin Ray Ahir are also named as defendants in the city’s nuisance abatement lawsuits as operators or business owners.
Legal Status of Owners
In late 2025, the City of Santa Ana intensified its legal battle against the owners:
- Arrests: In October 2025, the Kims were among 10 individuals arrested during a multi-agency raid. They were allegedly facilitating crimes by allocating specific rooms for human trafficking and narcotics distribution.
- Preliminary Injunction: In November 2025, a judge granted a preliminary injunction against the owners, labeling the properties “drug dens” and a public nuisance. This order mandates 24-hour security, strict “No Visitor” policies, and the use of “Do Not Rent” lists to bar known criminals.
- Potential Sale: The city is currently seeking $25,000 in civil penalties against each business and has explored appointing a receiver to seize control of the properties for potential sale to a responsible owner.
The owners should have lost these properties and sent to prison years ago.