ROME, June 12 (Xinhua) - More than 50 people in the richest neighborhoods of Italy's Naples were arrested on Thursday for alleged cocaine smuggling, the local press said.

Local police said residents "above suspicion" were among those detained, including some respected professionals, according to Naples-based Il Mattino newspaper.

The operation, which started early in 2009, targeted homes in the Posillipo and Chiaia neighborhoods in Naples as well as on the exclusive islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

All the arrested were reportedly charged with criminal association aimed at drugs smuggling and aggravated by mafia purposes.

Several renowned people were uncovered to be among the group's clients, including real estate entrepreneurs and jewelers, Il Mattino added.

The clients reportedly used to order by telephone the cocaine, which was then delivered to their homes.

A study by the National Research Council (CNR) in Pisa published last month has found that cocaine and cannabis were the illegal drugs of choice last year for Italian teenagers.

More than 600,000 young Italians admitted to using the substances in 2013, according to the study. Endi

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