In a shocking turn of events, Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has been arrested under serious allegations of leading a violent drug trafficking operation. This news was confirmed by two law enforcement officials to NBC News on Friday.
At the age of 44, Wedding found himself in the crosshairs of the FBI due to accusations that he orchestrated a vast transnational drug network responsible for smuggling approximately 60 metric tons of cocaine annually into Los Angeles using commercial trucks from Mexico. Attorney General Pam Bondi elaborated on this at a press conference, emphasizing the gravity of the charges against him.
FBI Director Kash Patel went as far as to liken Wedding's influence in the drug world to notorious figures like Pablo Escobar and Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, who led the infamous Sinaloa cartel in Mexico.
In a significant escalation of the case, Wedding was placed on the FBI’s 'Ten Most Wanted' list in March, with a staggering $15 million bounty offered for information that could lead to his apprehension or prosecution. This development highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating his crimes.
Details surrounding his arrest are expected to be further clarified during a scheduled news conference on Friday morning.
The former athlete is facing multiple serious charges stemming from a superseding indictment issued in September 2024, which includes attempted murder and various counts tied to his alleged drug activities. A grand jury indictment unsealed in November revealed that Wedding was implicated in the murder of a federal witness who was slated to testify against him. Allegedly, Wedding had put a bounty on the witness’s head and utilized a Canadian website to track down both the witness and his spouse.
Court documents suggest that Wedding's descent into crime began in 2008, just six years after he represented Canada at the Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City. According to federal prosecutors, Wedding traveled to San Diego with two accomplices with the intent to purchase cocaine. However, unbeknownst to them, their dealer was an undercover FBI agent. This led to Wedding's arrest and subsequent conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in a trial that concluded in November 2009. He received a 48-month prison sentence and was released in December 2011, according to court documents.
Federal authorities assert that it was after his release that Wedding established his criminal enterprise.
Recently, Mexican authorities seized a cache of luxury motorcycles valued at around $40 million that are believed to be linked to Wedding. Additionally, they recovered two Olympic medals, two vehicles, illicit drugs, artwork, and a variety of other items across several locations in Mexico City.
Reports indicate that Wedding had been residing in Mexico, allegedly under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel.
Minyvonne Burke serves as a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News.
