Canadian Former Olympic Snowboarder Wanted in U.S. Drug Trafficking Case
A former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, Ryan James Wedding, has been charged with leading a drug trafficking operation that allegedly shipped vast quantities of cocaine across the Americas, resulting in four fatalities. U.S. authorities are actively seeking his arrest, offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
Charges and Allegations
Wedding, 43, is facing multiple serious charges in the United States, including:
- Running a criminal enterprise
- Murder
- Conspiracy to distribute cocaine
- Other related crimes
U.S. prosecutors have indicated that Wedding, a Canadian citizen living in Mexico, is now considered a fugitive.
Drug Trafficking Operations
Authorities allege that Wedding's organization was responsible for moving large shipments of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and into California, ultimately distributing it to Canada and other U.S. locations using long-haul semi-trucks. The operation reportedly moved approximately 60 tons of cocaine annually. Wedding is one of 16 individuals charged in connection with this extensive trafficking ring, with four of the suspects still at large.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada remarked, “He chose to become a major drug trafficker and he chose to become a killer.”
FBI's Response
The FBI has been actively involved in the investigation, with Krysti Hawkins, the special agent in charge in Los Angeles, stating that a dozen individuals were arrested across multiple locations, including Florida, Michigan, Canada, Colombia, and Mexico, as part of the ongoing crackdown on the trafficking operation.
FAQs
Conclusion
The case of Ryan James Wedding serves as a shocking reminder of how individuals can diverge from their pasts, particularly in the world of sports. With serious charges pending and ongoing investigations, U.S. authorities are determined to bring Wedding and his associates to justice. As the situation unfolds, the intersection of sports and crime raises critical questions about accountability and the choices individuals make.
