Ryan James Wedding : the former Canadian Olympic snowboarder turned alleged drug kingpin, has been taken into custody in Mexico
Ryan 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 , the former Canadian Olympic snowboarder turned alleged drug kingpin, has been taken into custody in Mexico. The arrest marks the end of a decade long manhunt for one of the FBI’s most elusive targets.
The Apprehension
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), noting that Wedding was apprehended late last night through a coordinated effort between U.S. and Mexican authorities.
According to Patel, Wedding who had been hiding in Mexico for over ten years is currently being transported to the United States via the FBI’s Foreign Transfer of Custody (FTOC) to face federal charges.
High-Profile Charges
Wedding’s transition from the slopes of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics to the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted list is a staggering fall from grace. He faces a litany of serious charges, including:
- Cocaine Trafficking: Alleged leadership of a massive transnational organization moving tons of cocaine into North America.
- Murder: Connection to violent crimes linked to his criminal enterprise.
- Ongoing Criminal Enterprise: Charges stemming from a 2024 indictment that dismantled much of his suspected network.
"As of this morning, the DOJ/FBI officially apprehended our sixth Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitive within the last year," Director Patel stated, attributing the success to the "relentless pursuit of justice" by Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI Los Angeles field office.
Background of a Fugitive
Wedding has been a primary target for the Department of Justice since at least 2024, though he is believed to have been operating from the shadows in Mexico for much longer. Authorities allege that he used his athletic discipline to run a sophisticated and ruthless smuggling ring that spanned multiple continents.
The arrest is being hailed as a major milestone in cross-border cooperation. Further details regarding his initial court appearance in Los Angeles are expected to be released as he enters U.S. Custody.

Comments
Post a Comment