An alleged kidnapping ringleader and suspect linked to a R300m drug bust was intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport.

The 40-year-old Zambian national was arrested when he arrived in the country yesterday morning.

“Police have been keeping a close watch on the suspect’s movements. [He] is believed to be one of the ringleaders behind a kidnapping for ransom syndicate targeting businessmen in South Africa,” said SAPS in a statement.

He is specifically linked to the kidnapping of a 63-year-old businessman who was taken in Helderkruin in Roodepoort in July.

The businessman was rescued on the same day that police discovered R300m worth of crystal meth at a property in Fourways and a hotel in Bruma.

The suspect was arrested by a multi-disciplinary law enforcement team, led by the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team.

He is expected to be charged along with eight other suspects who were arrested for the kidnapping of the businessman and the drug bust. – SAnews.gov.za