Canadian Ex-Snowboarder Ryan Wedding Arrested for Alleged Drug Ring Operation
Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder from Canada, was arrested on drug trafficking and murder charges. The FBI announced his capture, concluding a lengthy investigation. At 44, Wedding is accused of being one of North America’s most notorious drug smugglers.
Arrest Details
Wedding was apprehended in Mexico City on a Thursday evening. He faced multiple charges, including allegations of smuggling cocaine into the United States and Canada. Notably, the FBI stated that he ordered the daytime assassination of a Canadian informant in Medellín, Colombia.
Brutal Criminal History
The authorities describe Wedding’s transition from athlete to alleged drug kingpin as shocking. Kash Patel, the FBI’s director, stated, “He went from an Olympic snowboarder to the largest narco-trafficker in modern times.” Wedding had been on the FBI’s list of 10 most wanted fugitives prior to his arrest.
Collaboration with Mexican Authorities
Mexico’s security minister, Omar García Harfuch, suggested that Wedding voluntarily surrendered at the U.S. Embassy. It was mentioned that Patel met with Harfuch before the arrest. The FBI confirmed that they collaborated with Canadian and Mexican law enforcement in this operation.
Continuing Drug Operations
The arrest coincided with increased pressure on Mexico to combat drug smuggling. President Claudia Sheinbaum launched a campaign against drug cartels early last year. Efforts included enhanced policing measures at the border and the extradition of criminal operatives to the United States.
Charges and Previous Convictions
- Wedding was indicted in October 2024 for drug trafficking.
- He faces murder charges for the killing of Jonathan Acebedo-Garcia, expected to testify against him.
- Authorities allege he commissioned at least three murders, including two in Canada.
Historically, Wedding was convicted in 2010 for cocaine trafficking in California. He has remained a fugitive since 2015, when he was also wanted by Canadian federal police.
Seizures and Further Developments
The operation led to the arrest of 36 individuals connected to the case spanning North America, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. Authorities seized valuable assets, including:
- A Mercedes-Benz worth $15 million.
- A fleet of motorcycles appraised at $40 million.
- Jewelry and artwork of significant value.
Following his arrest, Wedding will remain in custody and is expected to appear in court shortly. Notably, his arrest occurred just weeks prior to the Winter Olympics in Italy, where he previously competed in the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
Personal Background
Wedding’s upbringing was described as middle-class. His father was a mechanical engineer and his mother a nurse. Although he attended Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, he did not complete his degree. His criminal activities became increasingly prominent after a 2006 raid by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on a marijuana farm linked to him.
Investigators continue to unravel the extensive drug operations linked to Wedding, revealing the drastic shift from his days as a professional athlete to his alleged role as a major drug trafficker.
