FBI Offers $10M for Former Olympian Ryan Wedding's Arrest – From Athlete to Most Wanted

Ryan James Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has been thrust into the spotlight—not for his athletic prowess, but for his alleged involvement in a sprawling international drug trafficking network. The FBI has recently added Wedding to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, underscoring the severity of the charges against him.

From Olympic Heights to Criminal Depths

Wedding represented Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics, competing at the highest level in snowboarding. During his prime, he was celebrated as a rising sports star, inspiring young athletes. However, in the years that followed, his life took a drastically different turn.

Authorities allege that Wedding co-led a transnational drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting massive quantities of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico and Southern California, to Canada and other U.S. locations. This operation reportedly moved hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, making it one of the more significant drug networks under FBI scrutiny.

According to law enforcement officials, Wedding and his associates ran the criminal enterprise with extreme caution, using encrypted communications, multiple layers of intermediaries, and violence to maintain control.

Allegations of Violence and Intimidation

Beyond drug trafficking, Wedding is accused of orchestrating multiple murders to protect and expand his illegal business. These violent acts allegedly include:

• The November 2023 murders of two individuals and the attempted murder of a third in Ontario, Canada.
• A separate killing in May 2024, believed to be linked to a dispute within his criminal organization.

Authorities believe Wedding ordered these murders to silence informants, eliminate rivals, and maintain dominance in the drug trade. Such accusations paint a grim picture of a ruthless underworld leader willing to kill to protect his empire.

The Devastating Impact of Drug Trafficking

The consequences of drug trafficking extend far beyond Wedding himself. Authorities warn that his alleged criminal enterprise has fuelled addiction, violence, and corruption across multiple countries.

Drug overdoses have surged in North America, partly due to the massive supply chains run by organizations like the one Wedding is accused of leading.

Local communities struggle with gang-related violence, often driven by drug disputes and territorial battles.

Law enforcement agencies face immense challenges in tackling international drug networks, requiring cross-border cooperation to dismantle them.

Wedding’s case highlights the persistent dangers posed by transnational crime and the urgent need to bring powerful figures like him to justice.

International Manhunt and Substantial Rewards

Given the gravity of the crimes, the FBI is offering up to $50,000 for information leading to Wedding’s capture. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State has announced a reward of up to $10 million, a clear indication of how seriously authorities are taking this case.

The FBI believes Wedding may be hiding in Mexico, using false identities to evade capture. Officials urge the public to report any sightings, emphasizing that he should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.

FBI’s Official Statement

The FBI describes Wedding as:

• Age: 43
• Height: 6'3"
• Weight: 240 lbs
• Hair: Brown
• Eyes: Blue
• Citizenship: Canadian

A spokesperson for the FBI stated,

"We are working closely with our international partners to bring Ryan Wedding to justice. Anyone assisting him in evading capture will face serious legal consequences."

The agency has urged anyone with knowledge of Wedding’s whereabouts to contact their local FBI office or submit an anonymous tip online.

The Capture of an Alleged Accomplice

In a related breakthrough, Andrew Clark, another Canadian national and alleged co-leader of the drug operation, was arrested in Mexico in October 2024. Clark has since been extradited to the United States, where he faces federal charges including drug trafficking, murder, and conspiracy.

Authorities hope Clark’s arrest will provide further intelligence leading to Wedding’s capture. However, sources suggest that Wedding remains well-protected by his criminal network.

A Cautionary Tale

The story of Ryan Wedding serves as a stark warning about how choices shape one's future. Once a celebrated athlete, he is now one of the world's most wanted fugitives.

As the FBI intensifies its search, one question remains: Will Ryan Wedding be caught, or will he continue to elude justice?