A former Canadian Olympic snowboarder faces serious charges. Ryan Wedding is accused of leading a vast drug ring. He also faces murder charges. Wedding was arrested in Mexico. Federal authorities brought him to the United States. He is scheduled for his first court appearance on January 26, 2026. This hearing will occur in Los Angeles. It was moved from downtown to Orange County.
Olympic Past and Criminal Rise
Ryan Wedding once represented Canada. He competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics. This was in Salt Lake City. He was a giant slalom snowboarder. His athletic career ended. He then allegedly entered the criminal underworld. Sources describe him as a ruthless leader. He allegedly became a major drug trafficker. Authorities compare him to figures like El Chapo. He is also called a “modern-day Pablo Escobar.”
A Global Drug Empire
Wedding allegedly ran a massive organization. It trafficked huge amounts of cocaine. The drugs came from Colombia. They moved through Mexico. Southern California served as a key hub. Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties were distribution points. The organization allegedly imported about 60 metric tons of cocaine annually. This operation brought in over $1 billion yearly. The U.S. and Canada were major markets. Mexican cartels, like the Sinaloa Cartel, were partners.
Allegations of Violence
The charges against Wedding are severe. They include drug trafficking and organized crime. Furthermore, he is accused of ordering murders. This included the killing of a witness. This witness was set to testify against him. The murder happened in Medellín, Colombia. Prosecutors say Wedding even offered a bounty for the informant’s death. He also allegedly ordered other killings. These were sometimes acts of retaliation. Some victims were innocent.
International Manhunt and Arrest
Wedding was a fugitive for over a decade. The FBI added him to its Ten Most Wanted list. A $15 million reward was offered for his capture. He was eventually apprehended in Mexico. Sources suggest he negotiated his surrender. Mexican authorities handed him over to the FBI. This capture was a significant international effort. Many agencies collaborated. This included the FBI, DEA, LAPD, and RCMP. The U.S. Department of State also played a role.
Legal Proceedings Begin
Wedding’s arrest marks a new phase. He now faces justice in the U.S. His court appearance on January 26, 2026, is crucial. He will enter his plea. The charges carry severe penalties. These include potential life imprisonment. Investigators are still seeking other individuals. They were part of Wedding’s alleged network. This case highlights the intersection of sports, crime, and international law. It also shows the global nature of drug trafficking. The West Coast plays a critical role in these operations. This news is significant for law enforcement. It is Top News on the Coast.
