Former Olympic Snowboarder Charged in Major Drug Trafficking Operation

 

A former Canadian Olympic snowboarder has been charged with leading a drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting large quantities of cocaine across the Americas, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, authorities announced on Thursday.

Ryan James Wedding, 43, who previously represented Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, is now considered a fugitive residing in Mexico. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information that could lead to his arrest and extradition. He faces multiple charges in the United States, including running a criminal enterprise, murder, and conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

According to U.S. prosecutors, Wedding’s group was involved in moving substantial shipments of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and California, ultimately reaching Canada and various locations within the U.S. The operation utilized long-haul semi-trucks for transportation. Wedding is one of 16 individuals charged in connection with this ring, which is said to have trafficked 60 tons of cocaine annually. Four of those charged remain fugitives.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated, “He chose to become a major drug trafficker and he chose to become a killer.”

FBI Special Agent Krysti Hawkins confirmed that twelve arrests were made across Florida, Michigan, Canada, Colombia, and Mexico in connection with the case. U.S. authorities allege that the group was responsible for the killings of two family members in Canada, targeting them in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment—a tragic case of mistaken identity. Additionally, the group is linked to two other homicides. Investigators reported the seizure of cocaine, weapons, ammunition, cash, and over $3 million in cryptocurrency during the investigation.

Wedding is also facing separate drug trafficking charges in Canada stemming from 2015, which remain unresolved, according to Chris Leather, chief superintendent with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Federal records indicate that Wedding was previously convicted in the U.S. for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, leading to a prison sentence in 2010. Authorities believe he resumed drug trafficking after his release, allegedly receiving protection from the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico.