FBI Hunts Ryan Wedding for Drug Trafficking and Murders: Olympian-Turned-Criminal?

Ryan James Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has been thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Once celebrated for his athletic prowess, Wedding is now a fugitive, accused of leading a vast international drug trafficking network and orchestrating multiple murders. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has recently added him to their Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, underscoring the severity of the charges against him.

From Olympian to Alleged Crime Lord

Ryan Wedding represented Canada in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics, showcasing his talent on the global stage. However, his post-athletic career took a dark turn. According to the FBI, Wedding is accused of masterminding a transnational drug trafficking operation that transported massive quantities of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico and Southern California, to Canada and other parts of the United States. The scale of this operation is staggering, with reports indicating that the network moved hundreds of kilograms of cocaine during its operations.

Allegations of Violence and Murder

Beyond drug trafficking, Wedding's criminal enterprise is alleged to have been marred by extreme violence. He is accused of orchestrating multiple murders to further his drug operations. Specific allegations include directing the November 2023 murders of two individuals and attempting the murder of a third in Ontario, Canada. Additionally, Wedding allegedly ordered the murder of another individual in May 2024. These violent acts highlight the ruthless measures purportedly employed to maintain control and silence opposition within the drug trade.

FBI's Intensive Manhunt

In response to these grave allegations, the FBI has intensified its efforts to apprehend Wedding. He was officially charged in September 2024 with multiple offenses, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to export cocaine, operating a continuing criminal enterprise, murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime, and attempted murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime. The FBI has issued a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his capture, emphasizing that Wedding should be considered armed and dangerous.

Authorities believe Wedding has access to significant financial resources, making his capture more difficult. Investigators suggest he may be using forged identities and relying on an extensive criminal network to evade law enforcement. Reports indicate that he has strong connections to cartel operations in Mexico, raising concerns about his ability to flee to remote locations beyond the reach of authorities

Global Reach and Ongoing Investigations

The international scope of Wedding's alleged operations has necessitated a coordinated global response. In October 2024, Mexican authorities arrested Andrew Clark, a Canadian citizen and alleged co-leader of the drug trafficking organization. Clark was extradited to the United States in February 2025 and now faces federal charges, including running a continuing criminal enterprise, committing murder, attempted murder, and conspiring to possess, distribute, and export cocaine. The indictment alleges that Wedding and Clark directed a billion-dollar drug enterprise with supply routes transporting ton-quantities of cocaine from Colombia to Canada via Mexico and Southern California.

Public Appeal and Safety Concerns

The FBI has issued a public appeal for information regarding Wedding's whereabouts, urging anyone with knowledge to come forward. Given the violent nature of the charges, the FBI cautions that Wedding is considered armed and dangerous. The agency has also highlighted Wedding's potential international ties, noting that he may be residing in Mexico but could also be in the United States or Canada.

Conclusion

The case of Ryan James Wedding serves as a stark reminder of how individuals can drastically veer off course, transitioning from celebrated athletes to fugitives accused of heinous crimes. As the FBI intensifies its search, the public's assistance becomes crucial in bringing Wedding to justice and dismantling the remnants of the alleged drug trafficking network he once led.