Former Olympic Snowboarder Ryan Wedding Wanted for Leading a Deadly Drug Empire; $10 Million Reward Offered//
//Former Olympic Snowboarder Ryan Wedding Wanted for Leading a Deadly Drug Empire; $10 Million Reward Offered//
March 7, 2025
An image of former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding is displayed on a video monitor along with bricks of cocaine during a news conference at the FBI offices in Los Angeles, on October 17, 2024.
In a dramatic fall from grace, former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding has been added to the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list, accused of masterminding a massive international drug trafficking operation and ordering multiple murders to protect his illicit empire. Authorities have announced a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest, underscoring the seriousness of the charges against him.
From Olympian to Underworld Kingpin
Wedding, now 43, was once celebrated for his skills on the slopes, representing Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where he finished 24th in the parallel giant slalom. However, federal prosecutors allege that after his snowboarding career waned, Wedding transitioned into the world of organized crime, amassing a vast fortune through drug smuggling and violence.
“Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada,” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The alleged murders of his competitors make Wedding a very dangerous man.”
Authorities say Wedding, known by aliases such as "El Jefe," "Public Enemy," and "James Conrad King," built an intricate smuggling network that funneled an estimated 60 tons of cocaine annually from Colombia and Mexico into the United States and Canada. The organization allegedly used long-haul semi-trucks, private aircraft, and even maritime routes to distribute massive quantities of narcotics.
A Trail of Violence
According to federal prosecutors, Wedding did not hesitate to resort to extreme violence to eliminate threats to his operation. In one particularly chilling case, members of his organization allegedly killed two individuals in Canada in what authorities believe was a case of mistaken identity. The victims, members of a family with no known ties to the drug trade, were reportedly targeted in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment.
Investigators also link Wedding to at least two other killings tied to cartel-related disputes, raising concerns about the extent of his influence in the criminal underworld.
The FBI’s Crackdown
Wedding’s indictment, initially filed in June 2024, was expanded in September, bringing additional murder and drug-related charges. By October, the FBI had already made a dozen arrests of individuals suspected of working within his organization. However, Wedding himself remains at large, prompting the U.S. government to escalate its efforts to bring him to justice.
The $10 million reward—one of the highest ever offered for a fugitive—was announced by the U.S. State Department in conjunction with the FBI’s decision to place Wedding on the Most Wanted list.
“This is not just about drugs. This is about organized crime on an international scale, where lives have been lost, and entire communities have been impacted,” said an FBI spokesperson. “We will not stop until Ryan Wedding is captured.”
A Network Spanning Continents
Authorities believe Wedding’s drug empire extended beyond North America, with suspected connections to South American cartels and money laundering operations in Europe and Asia. His alleged ability to navigate international borders undetected has made his capture particularly challenging.
Court documents suggest Wedding had contacts within law enforcement agencies in multiple countries, potentially tipping him off to raids and investigations. This level of operational sophistication has led authorities to speculate that he may be receiving assistance from corrupt officials or cartel-backed operatives.
Where is Ryan Wedding Now?
Despite extensive efforts to track him down, Wedding’s whereabouts remain unknown. Some law enforcement officials suspect he may have taken refuge in South America, where cartel alliances could provide him with protection. Others believe he could be hiding in remote areas of Canada or the United States, relying on a network of loyal associates to evade capture.
The FBI is urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward, emphasizing that Wedding is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
“If you see him, do not approach. Contact authorities immediately,” the FBI warned in a public advisory.
The Broader Implications
The case of Ryan Wedding is yet another stark example of how high-profile athletes and celebrities can fall into the depths of crime. His alleged transformation from Olympic athlete to criminal kingpin has drawn comparisons to other infamous cases where sports and crime have tragically intertwined.
For now, the manhunt continues. Law enforcement agencies across North America and beyond remain on high alert, determined to bring Wedding to justice and dismantle the remnants of his drug empire.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI or their local authorities. The $10 million bounty remains one of the largest active rewards, a testament to the urgency with which authorities seek his capture.
Comments