Birmingham police today arrest a woman suspected of prostitution. (Carol Robinson | crobinson@al.com)

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Birmingham police raided an Asian massage parlor midday Wednesday, taking four women and three patrons into custody.

Police, along with FBI and ICE agents, hit the VIP Spa on Parkway East just after 1 p.m. Lt. Sean Edwards said the raid was in response to complaints of prostitution and possible human trafficking.

It is the city's third such raid over the past year. Busts were also done at Super Sauna and Bali.

Vice and Narcotics Lt. Ron Sellers said the VIP Spa works like this: A patron goes in and is greeted by what is called the "Kitchen Mama," usually an older, former prostitute who now manages the younger girls.

The customer will be guided to a room, and pay for a regular massage. Afterward, negotiations begin for sex, including oral sex, intercourse or masturbation. "They call it the Happy Ending," Sellers said. The price is $100.

Sellers said the girls usually live and work at the massage parlor. The patrons, he said, were in various stages of undress when police arrived Wednesday.

They were still inside and being questioned around 2 p.m.

The charges for the women will range from soliciting for prostitution to residing in a house of prostitution. The male patrons face charges of visiting a house of prostitution.

Sellers said they will try to determine whether the girls were working against their will. "Nobody should be subjected to this" he said.

Such "spas" he said are a nuisances. "Anything that involves a lot of currency always brings other crimes, like robbery, " Sellers said. "Either way, it's a blight on the community."

Police said they hope to release names and charges later this afternoon.