Canadian Olympic Snowboarder Arrested in Mexico for Alleged Drug Kingpin Activities

Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder from Canada, has been arrested in Mexico. This arrest stems from serious charges related to an alleged transnational drug trafficking operation. Wedding, who is 44 years old, was previously on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.

Charges Against Ryan Wedding

Wedding faces multiple accusations, including orchestrating killings to further his drug-related activities. Key details of his case emerged as U.S. authorities confirmed his identity upon arrest. He reportedly fled to Mexico, where he was believed to have been hiding for over a decade.

• Charged in 2024 with drug trafficking.
• Previously indicted for the killing of a federal witness in Colombia.
• Faces separate drug trafficking charges in Canada dating back to 2015.

History and Background

Wedding competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He participated in the parallel giant slalom event, finishing in 24th place. His Olympic achievements, however, have been overshadowed by his criminal activities.

He is accused of heading a drug trafficking ring that transported cocaine using semitrucks. This operation spanned from Colombia through Mexico to Southern California and Canada. Wedding had multiple aliases, one of which was “El Jefe.”

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

The Justice Department announced Wedding’s arrest, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel confirming the news on social media. Patel stated that the arrest represents a significant move toward enhancing safety in North America.

Wedding’s apprehension followed a series of meetings between U.S. and Mexican officials. Authorities indicated that he had turned himself in at the U.S. embassy in Mexico. The circumstances surrounding his arrest underline the extensive manhunt that led to this resolution.

Previous Convictions

Prior to his arrest, Wedding had already faced serious legal troubles. He was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and received a prison sentence in 2010. Following his release, he allegedly returned to drug trafficking under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The ongoing investigation will determine the full extent of his criminal activities. As the case unfolds, it highlights the intersection of sports and crime, leaving a stark reminder of the potential fall from grace that can accompany illicit endeavors.