
An Olympic hero’s fall from grace reveals a saga of international crime, leaving a once-great athlete on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
At a Glance
- Ryan James Wedding, former Olympic snowboarder, accused of leading a drug trafficking ring.
- He faces charges of drug distribution, murder, and conspiracy.
- The FBI offers a $50,000 reward for his capture.
- Wedding’s operations allegedly involve trafficking cocaine across the Americas.
From Olympic Stardom to a Life of Crime
Ryan James Wedding, once celebrated as a Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has become a central figure in a criminal investigation that shocks the world. Competing at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games was a pinnacle of his sports career, but now he is predominantly known for being wanted by the FBI for significant criminal activities involving drug trafficking and murder.
The charges against Wedding are grave. Allegations include exporting cocaine from Colombia to North America, entangling him in a vast international network that has resulted in multiple indictments. His operation reportedly traveled through Mexico, into the United States, and up into Canada, betraying his once-innocent dreams of sporting triumph for criminal ambitions.
Ryan Wedding, 43, a former Olympian from Canada who now resides in Mexico, is among 16 people charged in a federal indictment. https://t.co/UUG4EDZSVm
— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) October 18, 2024
Criminal Enterprise Unveiled
The troubling charges suggest Wedding not only facilitated drug movement but also orchestrated killings to protect and grow his empire. These accusations encompass the murders of two family members in Canada following a drug theft misunderstanding. Such calculated violence underscores the bold extent of his alleged involvement in organized crime.
His alleged role as a leader in this criminal enterprise places him among 16 defendants, with the indictment revealing connections to powerful cartels, including the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. In a chilling fall from former glory, Wedding’s involvement paints a picture of one who has forsaken lawful honor for profit and notoriety.
A Global Search for Justice
The FBI’s determination to bring Wedding to justice reflects in their $50,000 reward offering for leads on his whereabouts. At 43, Wedding faces charges not only in the U.S. but also with outstanding legal troubles in Canada. His previous conviction for drug-related offenses, alongside these new charges, reveals a deeper, more concerning pattern of behavior.
As the international manhunt continues, authorities in multiple countries coordinate efforts to unravel this complex and disturbing tale. With hundreds of kilograms of cocaine reportedly moved monthly, the magnitude of Wedding’s alleged operations underscores the significant threat they pose.