Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, Ryan James Wedding, has been charged with running a deadly cocaine enterprise and is currently a fugitive. Wedding, who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, is accused of operating a drug trafficking ring that moved 60 tons of cocaine per year. He used long-haul semi trucks to transport shipments of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and California to Canada and other locations in the United States. Wedding is one of 16 individuals charged in connection to the operation, with four of them still at large. A dozen people have been arrested in various locations in relation to the case.
The FBI has issued a $50,000 reward for information leading to Wedding’s arrest and extradition. Authorities claim that Wedding’s group turned violent in 2023 when they killed two members of a family in Canada in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment, which turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. Andrew Clark, who was arrested by the FBI, and Wedding are alleged to have directed these murders. The group is also charged with the murder of an individual in May 2024 over a drug debt. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada condemned Wedding for choosing to become a major drug trafficker and killer. In connection with the investigation, authorities seized cocaine, weapons, ammunition, cash, and over $3 million in cryptocurrency. Wedding also faces separate drug trafficking charges in Canada dating back to 2015.
According to federal records, Wedding was previously convicted in the U.S. of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, serving four years in prison. After his release, it is believed that he was protected by the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico while continuing his drug trafficking activities. In the 2002 Winter Olympics, Wedding finished 24th in the parallel giant slalom event. Authorities are making efforts to apprehend him and the other fugitives involved in the drug trafficking case. The charges against Wedding are still unresolved in Canada, as confirmed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Wedding’s criminal activities and involvement in the drug trafficking ring have raised concerns and led to a manhunt by law enforcement agencies.
The FBI and U.S. prosecutors are working to bring Wedding to justice for his alleged crimes, including running a criminal enterprise, murder, conspiring to distribute cocaine, and other offenses. Despite being a former Olympic athlete, Wedding’s involvement in drug trafficking and violent acts has tarnished his reputation. The $50,000 reward for information on his whereabouts highlights the urgency of apprehending Wedding to face the charges against him. The murders committed by Wedding’s group have added a chilling dimension to the case, with innocent lives lost due to their criminal activities. The apprehension of Wedding and the other fugitives involved in the drug trafficking ring is crucial for ensuring justice is served and preventing further harm to communities affected by their operations.
