In a significant development for international law enforcement, Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has been apprehended in Mexico City. The FBI announced Friday that Wedding, now facing serious allegations of orchestrating a vast drug trafficking enterprise and multiple murder charges, is anticipated to be extradited to the United States. This arrest represents a substantial achievement for a dedicated multi-agency task force after years of extensive pursuit.
Wedding, who previously competed for Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics, was reportedly living under the protection of the notorious Sinaloa cartel while evading authorities for a considerable period. FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the highly collaborative nature of the international operation that ultimately led to his capture. Authorities allege that Wedding was the central figure in an expansive criminal network responsible for importing approximately 60 metric tonnes of cocaine annually.
This prolific operation is estimated to have generated a staggering $1 billion in illicit revenue each year, with its reach extending across North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The FBI had previously offered a substantial reward of $15 million for information leading to his arrest, reflecting the significant threat he was perceived to pose. The investigation has already resulted in the detention of 36 individuals connected to Wedding's alleged drug ring.
Furthermore, law enforcement agencies have initiated efforts to seize assets valued in the tens of millions of dollars, including luxury vehicles and valuable artwork, believed to be proceeds from illegal activities. Beyond the drug trafficking accusations, Wedding is also implicated in a chilling series of violent crimes. These include the murder of a federal witness and the alleged orchestration of other killings, potentially involving assassins to eliminate rivals and law enforcement personnel.
Mike Duheme, Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), a key partner in this investigation, emphasized the crucial importance of international cooperation in combating organised crime effectively. He stated that communities and countries are considerably safer with Wedding's arrest. The anticipated extradition process is expected to commence with his first court appearance in Los Angeles on Monday. This legal proceeding may illuminate the intricate workings of his alleged criminal empire.