Ryan Wedding, Former Olympic Snowboarder Turned Alleged Drug Kingpin, Charged in Killing of Federal Witness

The U.S. government has announced new charges against Ryan James Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder who authorities say now runs one of the world’s most violent and prolific drug-trafficking organizations. Wedding, already on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, is now accused of orchestrating the murder of a federal witness.The U.S. State Department has increased its reward to up to $15 million for information leading to Wedding’s arrest and/or conviction.

Alleged Bounty on Federal Witness

According to officials, Wedding “placed a bounty” on the life of a federal witness who was set to testify against him in a major drug case.Investigators say Wedding used a Canadian website to post photos of the witness and his wife in an effort to track him down, under the mistaken belief that killing the witness would cause U.S. authorities to drop the criminal case against his international trafficking network.The witness was later shot and killed in a restaurant before he could take the stand.A newly unsealed indictment charges Wedding with:

• Murder

• Witness tampering and intimidation

• Money laundering

• Drug trafficking

The indictment also names several additional suspects, including a Canadian lawyer, who prosecutors allege helped plan and carry out the killing.

Reward Raised to $15 Million

The State Department has raised the reward for information on Wedding from $10 million to $15 million, underscoring the scale and danger of his alleged operation.“You do not get to be a drug kingpin and evade the law,”said FBI Director Kash Patel.“Make no mistake about it, Ryan Wedding is a modern-day iteration of Pablo Escobar and El Chapo Guzmán. He will not evade justice.”Officials believe Wedding is being protected by cartel members and associates in Mexico.“Please understand that he might change his hair color, his appearance, and do anything to avoid capture,”warned Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

Massive Cocaine Operation Alleged

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wedding’s organization is responsible for importing around 60 metric tons of cocaine per year into the Los Angeles area, primarily via semi-trucks crossing from Mexico.
“He controls one of the most prolific and violent drug-trafficking organizations in this world,” Bondi said.
“He is currently the largest distributor of cocaine in Canada.”
Over the course of the investigation, authorities say they have:
• Indicted more than 35 individuals
• Seized numerous weapons
• Recovered roughly $3.2 million in cryptocurrency
• Confiscated over $13 million in physical assets
The FBI also alleges that Wedding’s network has ordered multiple murders and routinely uses violence to intimidate rivals and protect its operations.

From Olympic Athlete to International Fugitive

Wedding once represented Canada in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
His life, officials say, took a dramatic turn from professional sport to global narcotics trafficking. In a September 2024 superseding indictment, he was charged with attempted murder and other offenses related to his alleged criminal enterprise.
He remains at large and is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

How to Report Information

Authorities urge anyone with credible information on Ryan James Wedding’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement or their local U.S. embassy or consulate. Tips that lead to his arrest or conviction may qualify for the up to $15 million reward.