In a sweeping crackdown on transnational drug operations, US authorities announced today that the reward for information leading to the capture of Canadian national and former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding has been bumped up to $15 million. Wedding is now at the top of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list and is accused of orchestrating a vast narcotics network spanning Colombia, Mexico, the U.S. and Canada — as well as arranging the murder of a federal witness.
Former Olympian Turned Alleged Kingpin
According to law-enforcement officials, Wedding competed for Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. After his athletic career, he allegedly transitioned into one of North America’s most prolific cocaine traffickers. Sources say his network moved an estimated 60 metric tons of cocaine annually and generated over $1 billion in illicit profits — putting him on par with notorious drug lords of past decades.
His organization is said to collaborate with Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, penetrating U.S. and Canadian markets from Colombia through Mexico into Southern California and beyond.
International Operation & Witness Murder Allegations
Law-enforcement agencies revealed that Wedding is believed to be hiding in Mexico while still protected by cartel connections. In newly-unsealed indictments, he is charged with ordering the assassination of a federal witness in Medellín, Colombia, shot five times in the head, before the individual could testify. Among the 10 arrested across Canada and the U.S. was Wedding’s former lawyer, who allegedly advised on the murder plot.
Additionally, the U.S. Treasury has sanctioned Wedding and key associates, cutting off their access to U.S. financial systems.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that this enhanced reward and global cooperation reflect the agency’s commitment to dismantling ruthless drug syndicates and bringing their leaders to justice.
How the Public Can Help
Authorities urge anyone with credible information about Wedding’s whereabouts or activity to contact the FBI immediately. At large, he is described as approximately 6′3″ (190 cm) tall, around 240 lbs (109 kg), and may be altering his appearance or hair colour. He is considered armed and dangerous — do not approach him. Tips may qualify for the multi-million-dollar reward and can be submitted confidentially.
This high-profile effort underscores how U.S. and Canadian agencies are working hand-in-hand to combat cross-border drug crime and protect communities from the violence such networks bring.
