Shocking Allegations Surface Against Former Olympian

Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding now faces serious drug trafficking and murder charges, with authorities offering a $50,000 reward for his capture.

At a Glance

Ryan James Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, is accused of leading a major cocaine trafficking operation.
The organization allegedly trafficked 60 tons of cocaine annually, generating billions of dollars.
Wedding faces charges including conspiracy to distribute cocaine, running a criminal enterprise, and involvement in multiple murders.
Authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Wedding’s arrest.

From Olympic Athlete to Alleged Drug Lord

Ryan James Wedding, once a celebrated Canadian Olympic snowboarder, now finds himself at the center of a major drug trafficking case spanning North America. Wedding, 43, competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics for Canada, finishing 24th in the men’s parallel giant slalom. However, his journey from athlete to alleged criminal mastermind has shocked many.

U.S. prosecutors have charged Wedding with various offenses, including murder and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. The FBI has labeled him a fugitive, with a $50,000 reward offered for information leading to his apprehension. The scale of the operation is staggering, with reports suggesting that the organization trafficked 60 tons of cocaine annually.

The “Wedding Criminal Enterprise”

Authorities allege that Wedding led a vast criminal network known as “The Wedding Criminal Enterprise.” This organization reportedly moved cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and California, ultimately distributing it in Canada and the United States. The operation’s scope and sophistication have drawn comparisons to large-scale cartel operations.

“He chose to become a major drug trafficker and a killer,” U.S. Atty. for the Central District of California Martin Estrada said during a news conference.

Wedding’s second-in-command, Andrew Clark, was arrested in Mexico, highlighting the international scope of the investigation. In total, authorities have arrested 12 individuals across the United States, Canada, Colombia, and Mexico in connection with the case.

Violence and Mistaken Identity

The charges against Wedding and his associates extend beyond drug trafficking. The organization is accused of engaging in violent acts, including hiring contract killers and executing individuals who interfered with their operations. One particularly tragic incident involved the mistaken identity killing of an Indian couple in Canada.

“They were killed in cold blood in front of their daughter, who was also shot 13 times,” Estrada said.

This incident, along with other execution-style murders, has underscored the brutal nature of the alleged criminal enterprise. Wedding is also accused of ordering other shootings in the Greater Toronto Area, further emphasizing the far-reaching impact of the organization’s activities.

A History of Criminal Activity

This is not Wedding’s first brush with the law. He has a prior conviction for cocaine trafficking from 2009, for which he served four years in prison. U.S. authorities believe that after his release, Wedding resumed drug trafficking activities, allegedly protected by the infamous Sinaloa Cartel.

Wedding also faces unresolved drug trafficking charges in Canada from 2015, adding to his legal troubles. The extent of his alleged criminal activities and the international cooperation required to bring him to justice highlight the complex nature of modern drug trafficking operations.

The Hunt Continues

As authorities continue their search for Wedding, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of international drug trafficking. The transformation of a former Olympian into an alleged drug lord has captured public attention, raising questions about the factors that can lead individuals down such a destructive path.

With a $50,000 reward on offer and international law enforcement agencies collaborating in the hunt, the pressure on Wedding and his remaining associates continues to mount. As the investigation unfolds, it serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in combating large-scale drug trafficking operations.