In a striking development, the FBI has announced that Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, is now listed among the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. The announcement was made during a press conference led by Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

Multi-Million Dollar Reward for Information

The U.S. authorities have put forth a significant reward totaling $10 million for any information that could lead to Wedding’s capture. This comes on top of the FBI’s existing reward of $50,000.

Accusations Against Wedding

Wedding, who is also known by several aliases including “El Jefe” and “Giant,” is accused of leading a considerable drug trafficking organization in collaboration with Mexican cartels. The enforcement agencies allege that he ordered several murders in connection with his drug operations in Ontario, Canada.

Being indicted along with his second-in-command, Andrew Clark, Wedding is charged with serious offenses that include:

• Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
• Conspiracy to export cocaine
• Leading a continuing criminal enterprise
• Multiple counts of murder and attempted murder

A Background on Ryan Wedding

Originating from Thunder Bay, Canada, Wedding represented his country at the 2002 Winter Olympics. However, by 2024, he was indicted for orchestrating a criminal drug trafficking operation that transported cocaine from Colombia through Mexico into the U.S. and Canada.

Reports indicate that between January and August of 2024, Wedding’s organization facilitated large shipments of cocaine, sometimes exceeding hundreds of pounds. Following these operations, Wedding and Clark allegedly took retaliatory measures, including the murders of associated rivals.

Responses from Law Enforcement

During a recent statement, Davis articulated the FBI’s resolve to combat drug trafficking: “Wedding transitioned from Olympic slopes to drug trafficking streets, and his alleged involvement in multiple murders designates him as extremely dangerous.” This sentiment is echoed by other law enforcement officials who are committed to dismantling transnational drug operations.

According to Alan Hamilton, Chief of Detectives at LA Police Department, Los Angeles serves as a central hub for Wedding’s narcotics operations, wherein an estimated 60 metric tons of cocaine are trafficked annually. Hamilton assured the public, saying, “Los Angeles will not become a safe haven for drug traffickers.”

International Cooperation to Apprehend Wedding

International collaboration is ongoing with law enforcement agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), working jointly to locate and apprehend Wedding. Liam Price, Director General of the RCMP International Program, emphasized the importance of bringing Wedding to justice.

What You Can Do

If anyone has information pertaining to Ryan Wedding’s whereabouts, they are urged to contact the FBI via WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram at (424) 495-0614. Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.

Upcoming Legal Proceedings

A trial date is set for May 7, in which defendants, currently in custody, will face the court. Convictions could impose life sentences for serious charges, with additional years for murder and drug trafficking offenses.