Nothing can demolish a hero’s image like being dirty. Ryan James Wedding, a former Olympian, is wanted by the FBI. This Canadian hero is a fugitive linked to a massive cocaine trafficking organization. The wedding is said to be connected to a Mexican cartel known for drug trafficking.
From Olympic Glory to Criminal Enterprise
Ryan James Wedding represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, finishing 24th in the men’s parallel giant slalom. Despite his promising start, he is now charged with running a cocaine trafficking and murder ring. The network, dubbed “The Wedding Criminal Enterprise,” is primarily based in Colombia, Mexico, California and Canada. It reportedly trafficked 60 tons of cocaine per year, bringing in billions of dollars.
Accusations include conspiracy to export cocaine, running a criminal organization, and multiple murders. U.S. prosecutors handling the case claim Wedding’s operations were violent, involving hired contract killers and execution-style murders, even resulting in the tragic loss of an innocent family in Canada.
The #FBI offers a reward of up to $50,000 for info leading to the apprehension, arrest & extradition of Ryan James Wedding, wanted for alleged involvement in a transnational drug trafficking operation & multiple murders in furtherance of these drug crimes: https://t.co/RFdFwKgSaf pic.twitter.com/YY6s8pmPqx
— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) October 17, 2024
A Broad and Violent Network
The Wedding Criminal Enterprise allegedly transported cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico, and Southern California, to various locations in the United States and Canada. Authorities apprehended Andrew Clark in Mexico, who is suspected of running the operations as Wedding’s second in command. These operations were not only about drugs; they also involved significant violence, including an attempted murder at Wedding’s request.
“An Olympic athlete-turned-drug lord is now charged with leading a transnational organized crime group that engaged in cocaine trafficking and murder, including of innocent civilians,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada of California’s Central District.
The enterprise’s activities were not limited to drug trafficking; they also engaged in violent acts against those who interfered with their operations. Jagtar Singh and Harbhajan Kaur Sidhu were killed as a result of a mistaken identity, a tragic incident that garnered international attention.
Snowboarder Ryan Wedding Wanted By FBI For Running Cocaine Ring, Ordering Murders | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/N7K85MZXKz
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 17, 2024
Authorities’ Responses and Future Legal Proceedings
A joint investigation by multiple agencies resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals associated with the enterprise in the United States, Canada, Colombia, and Mexico. Authorities also seized cocaine, weapons, ammunition, cash, and a large amount of cryptocurrency. Wedding is thought to have remained active in the drug scene despite previous trafficking convictions.
“The cocaine shipments were transported from Mexico to the Los Angeles area, where the cocaine trafficking organization’s operatives would store the cocaine in stash houses, before delivering it to the transportation network couriers for transportation to Canada using long-haul semi-trucks,” said officials in a statement.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Wedding’s arrest, emphasizing the importance of apprehending someone deemed armed and dangerous. If convicted of the charges, which include leading a criminal enterprise and murder, he could face a life sentence. Authorities continue to investigate in the hopes of completely dismantling the organization.
Sources:
- Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder charged with running drug trafficking organization, ordering killings
- Ex-Canadian Olympic Snowboarder Charged With Running Drug Trafficking Ring
