BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Police have charged 11 people in a narcotics operation last week in Birmingham's Southtown community.

The Birmingham Police Department's narcotics unit, precinct task forces, crime reduction teams and tactical unit worked with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Agency to conduct the operation at the housing complex off University Boulevard Friday, Jan. 24.

Officers arrested 11 people, served seven search warrants, and confiscated cocaine, marijuana, five handguns and $1,030, according to a news release from Birmingham Police Department spokesman Lt. Sean Edwards.

"This narcotics operation is one more initiative and example of our commitment to improving the quality of life in this community and others," Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper said in the news release. "It's not often we have the opportunity to execute arrest warrants in 14 degree weather but the leadership planned a good, tactically sound operation which the officers executed to perfection."

The operation came after police received complaints about drugs being sold in the open in the community and about some apartments housing drug operations, Edwards said.

"The Mayor is stressing neighborhood improvement across the city so we continue to coordinate and partner with the Birmingham Housing Authority and our Community Police Officers assigned to these communities," Roper said.

Shelia Mahand, 51, of Birmingham, and Lanita Bates, 46, of Birmingham, were charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

Gary Griggs, 31, of Birmingham, is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Erica Potter, 34, of Birmingham, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Christopher Scroggins, 28, of Birmingham, is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and a felony false identity charge.

Jaraun Wright, 32, of Birmingham, was arrested for failure to appear.

Chambria Seltzer, 24, of Birmingham, was arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tyrone Shackleford, 30, of Birmingham, is charged with possession with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Lemicha Gordon, 23, of Birmingham, is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Tony Woods, 22, of Birmingham, and Charisse Austin, 21, of Birmingham, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ten of the suspects were being held in the Jefferson County Jail, and one was being held in the Birmingham City Jail.