Shah’s Brother, Drugs Seized
The brother of the late Shah of Iran was arrested Friday at his home in Beverly Hills on suspicion of possessing about 1,000 grams of opium with a street value of more than $20,000, authorities said.
Mahmoud Reza Pahlavi, 62, was taken into custody following a six-month investigation by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Santa Monica and Culver City police departments.
Pahlavi was booked on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs for sale, a charge that is punishable by three to five years in state prison.
Police said that, because of the amount seized, they suspect he was selling the opium.
Pahlavi, identified as the brother of the late Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, was cooperative during the arrest at his $2-million home in Beverly Hills, where a team of about 10 officers confiscated smoking pipes, weighing scales and guns, according to officials.
DEA spokesman Ralph Lochridge said a .357 Magnum and a .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun--both loaded with “police killer bullets”--were taken during the 3 p.m. arrest. Lochridge said the investigation was initiated when postal inspectors found opium destined for Pahlavi in the U.S. mail.
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