Canadian Athlete Entangled in Global Drug Smuggling Probe

Department of Justice FBI emblem on a wall

Canadian Olympian Ryan Wedding now faces serious charges in an international drug trafficking investigation that unveils a shocking twist of fate.

Key Insights

The FBI added Canadian national and former Olympian Ryan Wedding to its Top 10 Most Wanted list.
Wedding is accused of operating a transnational drug trafficking network.
Wedding’s trafficking ring allegedly shipped cocaine from Colombia through Mexico to the U.S. and Canada.
The State Department offers a reward of up to $10 million for Ryan Wedding’s capture.
Wedding is accused of murder, making him considered very dangerous.

FBI Pursues Ryan Wedding

The FBI has intensified its search by adding Ryan Wedding to its Top 10 Most Wanted list. He is accused of spearheading an extensive cocaine trafficking operation spanning multiple countries. Authorities report that the network facilitated the transfer of large cocaine quantities from Colombia, through Mexico, with the product ultimately reaching the U.S. and Canada.

The FBI’s investigation into Wedding spans international frontiers, as seen in its partnership with the State Department, which has tagged a $10 million bounty on him. An additional $50,000 reward is promised for precise information that may lead to his arrest. Wedding’s inclusion on this list underscores the severity of the accusations, including those of murder.

#FBI Wanted Case of the Week: A reward of up to $50k is being offered for info leading to the arrest & extradition of Ryan James Wedding. The former Olympic snowboarder is allegedly involved in a transnational drug trafficking operation & multiple murders: https://t.co/9htPJ9mZbQ pic.twitter.com/XMtGKkCySY

— FBI Cincinnati (@FBICincinnati) October 18, 2024

From Olympian to Fugitive

Wedding, once representing his nation in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics, now finds himself a fugitive from justice. Previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, he served time in the U.S., yet his current apprehension remains elusive. This historical criminal linkage adds layers to current allegations of murder, intensifying law enforcement pressure.

“The alleged murders of his competitors make Wedding a very dangerous man, and his addition to the list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, coupled with a major reward offer by the State Department, will make the public our partner so that we can catch up with him before he puts anyone else in danger.” – Akil Davis

Authorities believe his transformation from Olympic athlete to notorious criminal mastermind reveals motives beyond profit. The additional arrest warrant issued last year signifies authorities’ determined effort to put an end to the activities attributed to Wedding.

Public’s Role in Wedding’s Capture

The FBI and the State Department urge the public to assist in capturing this notorious figure, leveraging substantial financial incentives. These rewards not only foster civilian cooperation but also amplify the spotlight on this case. Supporting the cause, authorities assert that catching Wedding is crucial in precluding further endangerment.

This dramatic evolution of Ryan Wedding’s persona accentuates the thin line between remarkable human achievements and illicit challenges, urging collective vigilance to secure justice and societal safety.