Ryan James Wedding, a celebrated former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, now faces accusations of running an international cocaine trafficking enterprise linked to the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. Wedding competed in the 2002 olympics and its reported shortley after he became a drug trafficker who ordered the murder of atleast 3 people. Authorities were able to seize three stash houses in Califronia. The drug operation trafficked 60 tons of cocaine annually.
Allegations Against Ryan James Wedding
Ryan James Wedding, 43, once competed for Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics, finishing 24th in the parallel giant slalom. Today, he stands accused of spearheading a cocaine trafficking operation that allegedly transported drugs from Colombia through Mexico, California, and into Canada. U.S. prosecutors have charged him with leading a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and being involved in multiple murders.
The charges against Wedding include serious allegations of violent acts linked to his alleged drug trafficking empire. Reports note the execution-style murders and mistaken identity killings of an Indian couple in Canada as part of this extremity. The operation’s scope alleged that it involved managing the transport of 60 tons of cocaine annually, generating billions.
The #FBI offers a reward of up to $50,000 for info leading to the apprehension, arrest & extradition of Ryan James Wedding, wanted for alleged involvement in a transnational drug trafficking operation & multiple murders in furtherance of these drug crimes: https://t.co/RFdFwKgSaf pic.twitter.com/YY6s8pmPqx
— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) October 17, 2024
Details of the Drug Trafficking Operation
The operation, which ran from January to August, centered around transporting cocaine through a network operated by individuals based in Ontario. Large volumes of cocaine were captured, including 293 kilograms delivered and 375.1 kilograms seized by law enforcement. Authorities also secured weapons, ammunition, cash, and over $3 million in cryptocurrency.
“The cocaine shipments were transported from Mexico to the Los Angeles area, where the cocaine trafficking organization’s operatives would store the cocaine in stash houses, before delivering it to the transportation network couriers for transportation to Canada using long-haul semi-trucks,” said officials in a statement.
In addition to drug-related charges, Wedding is facing eight felony charges, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. The indictment forecasts significant penalties, such as mandatory life sentences for murder and lengthy prison terms for drug charges. His connection with the Sinaloa Cartel allegedly protected his release, according to U.S. authorities.
#REPORT: Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding wanted in Ontario for two fatal shootings in Brampton and Niagara Falls pic.twitter.com/Jbi2aIk80z
— 6ixBuzzTV (@6ixbuzztv) October 18, 2024
Arrests and Investigation
Recent joint investigations resulted in the apprehension of 12 operatives across various countries including the U.S., Canada, Colombia, and Mexico. Andrew Clark believed to be Wedding’s second-in-command, was arrested in Mexico, contributing to the crackdown on the organization known for its ruthless enforcement tactics.
“An Olympic athlete-turned-drug lord is now charged with leading a transnational organized crime group that engaged in cocaine trafficking and murder, including of innocent civilians,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada of California’s Central District.
The FBI, Ontario Provincial Police, and RCMP have issued combined murder and trafficking charges against Wedding. With a $50,000 reward set for information leading to his arrest, Wedding remains one of North America’s most wanted fugitives. His previous conviction for cocaine trafficking in 2009 and unresolved charges from 2015 illustrate a history of illicit activities.
