The former glory of an Olympian now shadows a reputation as one of the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted.
Key Takeaways
- The FBI added Canadian national and former Olympian Ryan Wedding to its Top 10 Most Wanted list.
- Ryan Wedding is accused of operating a transnational drug trafficking network.
- The trafficking ring allegedly shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico to the U.S. and Canada.
- The State Department is offering a reward of up to $10 million for Ryan Wedding’s capture.
- Ryan Wedding is also accused of murder, making him considered very dangerous.
From Olympic Dreams to Fugitive Life
Once competing in the 2002 Winter Olympics as a snowboarder for Canada, Ryan Wedding is now associated with more sinister pursuits. The FBI recently spotlighted him among the Top 10 Most Wanted for allegedly orchestrating a massive drug trafficking syndicate. Tracing routes from Colombia through Mexico to North America, the operation moved countless kilos of cocaine into the United States and Canada.
The U.S. State Department has underscored the urgency of his capture by announcing a reward of $10 million. This figure includes a supplementary $50,000 incentive for actionable leads that could expedite the former athlete’s apprehension, amidst concerns he poses significant danger, especially with accusations linking him to multiple murders.
“The alleged murders of his competitors make Wedding a very dangerous man, and his addition to the list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, coupled with a major reward offer by the State Department, will make the public our partner so that we can catch up with him before he puts anyone else in danger.” – Akil Davis
Former #Canadian #snowboarder Ryan Wedding remains a fugitive in connection with this case. https://t.co/nDwvDTLJ7k pic.twitter.com/UnkyjXy93L
— DEALosAngeles (@DEALOSANGELES) October 18, 2024
Legal Struggles and Convictions
The FBI initially issued an arrest warrant for Wedding last year. However, this isn’t his first instance of legal trouble; in 2010, he faced conviction for conspiracy related to cocaine distribution and served a prison sentence in the United States. These prior convictions highlight a longstanding entanglement with drug-related crimes, further elevating his fugitive status today.
The drug network attributed to Wedding is said to have ramifications across national lines, breeding complexities in jurisdictional cooperation and enforcement. Federal agencies continue to appeal to the international community and the public for assistance in locating him, emphasizing the danger posed by his alleged actions.
Public Engagement and Future Pursuits
Law enforcement entities stress the critical nature of public cooperation to counteract the reach and impact of Wedding’s alleged criminal network. Informing the public serves not just as a means for apprehension but as a statement underscoring international resolve against transnational crime conglomerates.
The outcome of the manhunt remains uncertain. Still, the significant monetary incentives reflect intense government dedication to deterring international drug trafficking, removing dangerous elements off the street, and ultimately serving justice.
Sources
1. Ryan Wedding, ex-Olympian-turned drug kingpin, added to FBI 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list
2. FBI adds Canadian national, former Olympian to most wanted list for alleged drug trafficking
