3 Are Killed as Apartment Is Stormed by Gunmen : Crime: Police find narcotics in dwelling, leading them to believe the slayings are drug-related. Neighbors say victims were men.

Three people were shot to death inside an apartment in the city’s southeast side Friday evening in what police believe were drug-related homicides.

Police said several people stormed into the apartment and began shooting. The three victims, who neighbors said were all men, died in an exchange of gunfire.

Sgt. Jack Rife said the shootings occurred at 6:33 p.m. in an apartment at 727 S. Lyon St.

“Narcotics were found inside of the apartment and may have contributed to the motives,” Rife said.

Residents of the 180-unit apartment complex, named Nantucket, swarmed to their balconies and gathered around the swimming pool after the shootings as homicide investigators taped off the crime scene.

A private security guard who patrols the complex said: “This is a very professionally run place. There usually aren’t any problems, and there has never been a homicide. It’s tragic.”

One woman who refused to identify herself said she believes that the victims were residents of the apartment. Many of the residents said they did not know any of the victims personally.

Police were still investigating late Friday and provided few details. No arrests have been made, police said.

In recent years, the city has been racked by violence, particularly gang shootings.

In 1991, the number of homicides in Santa Ana reached an all-time high of 59, compared to 53 in 1989. That was the highest homicide rate in Orange County. Figures for 1992 were not available.

Last year’s crime record also showed a dramatic increase in property crimes, which police linked to drugs as the dominant motive.

The City Council, in responding to a public outcry about violence, this June approved a major program including incentives for neighborhood improvements and jobs.