Ten men, who are aged between 26 and 60, and a 24-year-old woman were held on suspicion of conspiring to import class A drugs, Sky News reports.
They were arrested following a series of police raids across London and south-east England on Wednesday (December 14).
David Reynders, senior investigating officer at the National Crime Agency (NCA) said: "Large scale drug smuggling through UK airports is high risk for organised criminals.
"Today’s operation was coordinated to strike simultaneously at as many parts of the suspected drugs ring as possible.
"The NCA is grateful for the support and co-operation of the airport authorities and Border Force, all of whom have a vested interest in protecting the security of our borders."
