MEXICO CITY – Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, was arrested in Mexico and transferred to U.S. federal custody this week, capping a multinational manhunt that authorities say dismantled one of the most powerful cocaine trafficking networks linking Colombia, Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
U.S. officials said Wedding, 44, surrendered at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City before being flown to Southern California, where he is expected to make his first appearance in federal court on Monday. Prosecutors allege that Wedding ran a sprawling criminal organization responsible for moving multi-ton shipments of cocaine northward, ultimately becoming what investigators describe as the largest single supplier of cocaine to Canada.
According to the indictment, cocaine was sourced in Colombia, transported through Mexico, and distributed into Southern California before moving onward to Canadian markets. U.S. authorities allege the operation functioned with the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the world’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations.
The charges extend far beyond narcotics. Federal prosecutors accuse Wedding of ordering multiple retaliation killings, including the 2023 murders of two members of a Canadian family, a 2024 killing tied to an unpaid drug debt, and the murder of a witness in Medellín, Colombia. Investigators say the violence was designed to enforce discipline, silence cooperation with authorities, and protect trafficking routes.
The investigation led to the arrest of 36 suspects across several countries and the seizure of large quantities of drugs, firearms, cash, and assets valued in the millions of dollars, U.S. officials said. Wedding had been placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, with a $15 million reward offered for information leading to his capture.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the operation as a rare example of deep cooperation among U.S., Mexican, Canadian, and Colombian authorities, comparing the scope of Wedding’s alleged criminal enterprise to that of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree called the arrest “a significant step forward” in disrupting cross-border organized crime, noting improved collaboration with Mexican authorities.
Wedding represented Canada as a snowboarder at the 2002 Winter Olympics, a background prosecutors say later helped him avoid suspicion while building an international trafficking empire. Authorities stressed that all charges remain allegations until proven in court.
FAQs
Who is Ryan Wedding?
Ryan Wedding is a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder who competed at the 2002 Winter Games and is now accused of leading a major international drug trafficking organization.
What crimes is he accused of?
U.S. prosecutors allege large-scale cocaine trafficking, conspiracy, and ordering multiple murders linked to drug enforcement and witness intimidation.
Where was he arrested?
Wedding was arrested in Mexico City after surrendering at the U.S. Embassy and was transferred to California.
Was he linked to a cartel?
Authorities allege his operation worked under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel.
What happens next?
Wedding is expected to appear in U.S. federal court, where prosecutors will formally present the charges.
Sources
Reuters – https://www.reuters.comAssociated Press – https://apnews.com
U.S. Department of Justice – https://www.justice.gov
Federal Bureau of Investigation – https://www.fbi.gov
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