Former Olympian Turned Fugitive
In a shocking turn of events, Ryan James Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder who represented Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, is now wanted by the FBI for allegedly orchestrating a transnational drug trafficking operation. The operation is believed to have resulted in the deaths of four individuals, according to authorities.
$50,000 reward for capture
The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Wedding, 43, who is considered armed and dangerous. Wedding, a Canadian citizen residing in Mexico, is one of 16 individuals indicted by California prosecutors for his alleged involvement in a large-scale cocaine smuggling operation.
Extensive criminal charges
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada revealed that the group “routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine” across borders. Wedding, known by aliases such as “El Jefe,” “Giant,” and “Public Enemy,” faces eight felony charges, including running a criminal enterprise and murder.
Another Canadian, Andrew Clark, 34, also residing in Mexico and known as “the Dictator,” was arrested on October 8 by Mexican police. He remains in custody, facing similar charges. Both men could face life imprisonment if convicted. Several gang members have been apprehended and are expected to appear in court in Los Angeles, Michigan, and Miami soon.
Massive drug shipments
Prosecutors allege that the organization moved as much as 827 pounds of cocaine in a single month, transporting it from Mexico to California and then to Ontario, Canada. The operation used stash houses and long-haul semi-trucks for distribution.
Wedding and Clark are also accused of ordering the murder of two individuals in Ontario in November 2023 over a stolen drug shipment. Estrada stated, “An Olympic athlete-turned-drug lord is now charged with leading a transnational organized crime group that engaged in cocaine trafficking and murder.”
Ongoing seizures and evidence
The investigation, conducted with the LAPD and Ontario police, has already resulted in the seizure of over a ton of cocaine, firearms, ammunition, and millions in currency and cryptocurrency. Matthew Allen, DEA special agent in Los Angeles, remarked on the gang’s violent crimes, noting Wedding’s dramatic fall from grace: “Wedding, the Olympian snowboarder, went from navigating slopes to contouring a life of incessant crimes.”
This unfolding story has captured international attention, highlighting the stark contrast between Wedding’s former life and his alleged criminal activities.