BREAKING: Mexican authorities have launched a series of urgent raids targeting fugitive Olympian Ryan Wedding, 44, who is one of the FBI’s most-wanted fugitives. The raids, which took place on Christmas Day, resulted in the seizure of drugs, Olympic medals, ammunition, and over 62 high-end motorcycles across four locations in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
Officials confirmed that these operations are part of an ongoing effort to apprehend Wedding, a Canadian snowboarder who represented his country in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Although authorities did not explicitly name Wedding, they referenced a “former Olympic athlete” among the top ten fugitives sought by US law enforcement. Wedding is the only Olympic athlete listed on the FBI’s wanted roster.
During the raids, law enforcement seized two Olympic medals, along with a significant quantity of methamphetamine, marijuana, ammunition, and various documents that could provide leads in the investigation. The origins of the Olympic medals remain unclear, as Wedding did not win any during his competitive career.
Wedding was added to the FBI’s most-wanted list in March 2023 after being identified as the alleged kingpin of a billion-dollar drug trafficking operation. Authorities estimate that his organization is responsible for smuggling approximately 60 metric tonnes of cocaine annually from Mexico into Canada, primarily via California.
These raids underscore the escalating efforts by law enforcement to dismantle the vast drug network that Wedding purportedly leads. The impact of this operation could extend beyond just his arrest; it may disrupt a significant pipeline of illegal drugs flowing into North America.
As the investigation unfolds, officials are urging anyone with information about Wedding’s whereabouts to come forward. The FBI and Mexican authorities continue to collaborate closely on this case, highlighting the international dimensions of this crime.
UPDATE: Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story progresses. The apprehension of Ryan Wedding could have significant implications for drug trafficking routes and law enforcement strategies across North America.
