The world remembers Ryan Wedding as an Olympic snowboarder, a Canadian athlete who competed on the world stage in Salt Lake City in 2002. Now, a far darker narrative has emerged, one of alleged drug trafficking, immense wealth, and chilling violence, unfolding within the walls of a U.S. federal court.
For over a decade, Wedding evaded an international manhunt spanning the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. He finally surrendered at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City last week, ending a year-long pursuit that culminated in a not-guilty plea to charges of drug and murder conspiracy.
Authorities allege Wedding wasn’t simply involved in drug trafficking; he allegedly orchestrated a billion-dollar operation, becoming one of the largest suppliers of cocaine to Canada. The scale of the operation is staggering – estimates suggest the movement of as much as 60 tons of cocaine through multiple countries.
The investigation points to a potentially dangerous alliance with the infamous Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, suggesting Wedding operated with a powerful and ruthless network backing his enterprise. This wasn’t just about moving drugs; it was about controlling a massive flow of illicit substances across borders.
The charges extend beyond drug trafficking to include accusations of directing brutal acts of violence. Wedding is accused of ordering the 2023 murders of two members of a Canadian family, a grim retaliation for a stolen drug shipment.
Further allegations claim Wedding orchestrated another murder to settle a drug debt and even arranged the killing of a Colombian witness who threatened to cooperate with U.S. extradition efforts. These accusations paint a picture of a man willing to use extreme force to protect his empire.
The FBI had listed Wedding as a wanted fugitive, offering a substantial $15-million reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction. His capture marks a significant victory for international law enforcement, but the legal battle is only just beginning.
Canada has also filed charges against Wedding, dating back to 2015, indicating a long history of alleged criminal activity. The full extent of his alleged crimes and the network he built are now under intense scrutiny as the case proceeds.
