UPDATE: Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, aged 44, has been indicted on serious charges including murder and drug trafficking, marking a shocking fall from grace. The U.S. Department of Justice announced these charges today, revealing that Wedding allegedly led a vast drug trafficking ring that funneled narcotics from Mexico into the United States and Canada.
During a press conference held by Attorney General Pam Bondi, it was confirmed that Wedding is accused of orchestrating the murder of a federal witness in a restaurant in Medellin, Colombia, just before the witness was to testify against him. Bondi described Wedding as “one of the most prolific and violent drug trafficking organizers in the world,” stating that his criminal enterprise has been responsible for a staggering $1 billion profit annually from the distribution of 60 tons of cocaine.
As authorities ramp up their efforts to capture Wedding, a reward of $15 million is now being offered for information leading to his arrest. Previously, the FBI had offered $50,000 for tips that could lead to his capture, demonstrating the urgency of the situation.
“We will not sit idly by,” Bondi declared, emphasizing the devastating impact of drug trafficking on communities, particularly on children and families. “Drugs are killing our kids… and this guy is responsible for a tremendous amount of that horror.”
The indictment also highlights Wedding’s connections with the Sinaloa Cartel, which is believed to be protecting him as he resides in Mexico. This cartel’s involvement underscores the serious nature of this case, as it ties Wedding to a network that has inflicted significant harm on both Canadian and U.S. communities.
Wedding, who represented Team Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where he finished 24th in the men’s parallel giant slalom, has now transitioned from Olympic athlete to fugitive. His criminal activities allegedly include money laundering and conspiring to distribute other dangerous drugs, including fentanyl.
In a chilling revelation, it has been reported that Wedding’s group is linked to the murders of two Canadian family members in 2023, believed to be in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment. This act of violence further highlights the brutality associated with his alleged operations.
The FBI, alongside the Department of Justice and the Treasury Department, is committed to dismantling Wedding’s criminal network. “Our goal is simple: make it difficult for criminals like this to profit from poisoning our communities,” stated John K. Hurley, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Authorities have already seized nearly $3.2 million in cryptocurrency and over $13 million in physical assets linked to Wedding and his alleged criminal operations.
As the investigation continues, the urgency for public assistance grows. Anyone with information is urged to come forward. The implications of this case extend far beyond the courtroom, as communities brace for the fallout of Wedding’s alleged actions.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities work tirelessly to bring Ryan Wedding to justice.
