HOUSTON -- Gang activity is a problem in Houston, and more than half a dozen law enforcement agencies joined forces to fight back in an initiative that led to the closure of an apartment complex, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.

The multi-agency effort included undercover operations and special tactics spread over a four-week span and focused on the near northwest.

The initiative led to the closing of the Candlelight Trails Apartment Complex on DeSoto Street.

"There are many, many good folks out here that are trapped," Houston police Capt. Randy Ellen said. "They have no place else to go, but in order to live here they have to suffer the crime and drug dealing that's going on. We want to eradicate that."

Officials said the complex was closed because it was unlivable and had become a hot spot for squatters and drug activity.

Some nearby residents said they are no longer afraid to leave their apartments.

"It's been quiet, peaceful. Usually, I couldn't come outside," Christina Thomas said.

"It's a whole lot quieter back here now. It's a lot quieter," Grace LeBlanc said.

"We are doing everything we can to get rid of the drugs that are being distributed and those who distribute and manufacture them in complexes like this," said Ed Gallagher with the U.S. attorney's office.

Crime was down 11 percent during the operation, officials said. Calls for service were also down 16 percent.

"We're talking about a shooting, discharging of firearms," Assistant Chief Dan Perales said. "We're talking about people loitering on the street selling narcotics. We're talking about prostitutes in the area. We're talking about a general malaise."

"This was a beautiful neighborhood when I was a kid growing up, and it can still be. But, we'll just have to see which gangs are the best -- the ones on the street or our gang back here," said Chief J.C. Mosier with the Precinct 1 Constable's Office.

Even with the complex closed, the group plans to continue their fight.

"Once we clean the area up, we come back and maintain this area," Perales said. "Let us know what's happening in your areas, and we'll try to take care of the situation as best we can."

The participating agencies included the Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff's Office, Harris County Constables Precinct 1, METRO Police Department, Crime Stoppers, United States Attorney's Office, Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration and the Houston and Aldine independent school districts' police departments.

Investigators said other nearby apartment complexes have similar problems. They plan to try to close the neighboring Candlewood Apartments soon.