Former Olympic Snowboarder Arrested in Mexico, Linked to Alleged Murders and Large-Scale Narcotics Operation
A dramatic takedown took place on a plane at Ontario International Airport in California as former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding was apprehended by US authorities. 44-year-old Wedding, who has been linked to multiple murders, was arrested in Mexico City last Thursday night and subsequently transported back to the United States.
Wedding's arrest follows an extensive manhunt, which reportedly began after he was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list last year. His alleged operation, which spanned across Colombia, Mexico, and the US and Canada, is believed to have been one of the most prolific and violent drug-trafficking organizations.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, Wedding's arrest was a result of an "interagency success" that brought together multiple law enforcement agencies to apprehend him. During his appearance at the Ontario International Airport news conference, Patel described Wedding as a modern-day Pablo Escobar or El Chapo, highlighting the severity of his alleged crimes.
Wedding has been accused of orchestrating multiple murders, including the killing of two members of a Canadian family in 2023, and ordering the killings of another person in 2024 over a drug debt. His operation allegedly moved cocaine from Colombia through Mexico to the US and Canada.
The FBI says Wedding's arraignment is expected to take place on Monday afternoon in Los Angeles. A $15 million reward was increased in November, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi describing Wedding's alleged operation as "one of the most prolific and violent drug-trafficking organizations."
Wedding, who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, has been linked to running a major narcotics network. His arrest marks a significant blow to the Sinaloa Cartel, to which he is believed to have belonged.
FBI officials reported working on this case for over a year before Wedding's apprehension. Assistant Director Akil Davis described Wedding as "tormenting several people and families who will never be the same," but added that justice has now been served.
A dramatic takedown took place on a plane at Ontario International Airport in California as former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding was apprehended by US authorities. 44-year-old Wedding, who has been linked to multiple murders, was arrested in Mexico City last Thursday night and subsequently transported back to the United States.
Wedding's arrest follows an extensive manhunt, which reportedly began after he was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list last year. His alleged operation, which spanned across Colombia, Mexico, and the US and Canada, is believed to have been one of the most prolific and violent drug-trafficking organizations.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, Wedding's arrest was a result of an "interagency success" that brought together multiple law enforcement agencies to apprehend him. During his appearance at the Ontario International Airport news conference, Patel described Wedding as a modern-day Pablo Escobar or El Chapo, highlighting the severity of his alleged crimes.
Wedding has been accused of orchestrating multiple murders, including the killing of two members of a Canadian family in 2023, and ordering the killings of another person in 2024 over a drug debt. His operation allegedly moved cocaine from Colombia through Mexico to the US and Canada.
The FBI says Wedding's arraignment is expected to take place on Monday afternoon in Los Angeles. A $15 million reward was increased in November, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi describing Wedding's alleged operation as "one of the most prolific and violent drug-trafficking organizations."
Wedding, who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, has been linked to running a major narcotics network. His arrest marks a significant blow to the Sinaloa Cartel, to which he is believed to have belonged.
FBI officials reported working on this case for over a year before Wedding's apprehension. Assistant Director Akil Davis described Wedding as "tormenting several people and families who will never be the same," but added that justice has now been served.
Ryan Wedding is a total wild card! I mean, going from being an Olympic athlete to running a massive narcotics network is like something out of a movie. And the thought of him orchestrating multiple murders... it's just sickening 
. The fact that the FBI has been working on this case for over a year is insane 
. It's good to see justice being served, but I'm also curious about what led Wedding down this path. Was he in deep with some shady people from the start or did it escalate on its own? 
. This guy, Ryan Wedding, had a whole life of crime behind him, and now he's facing serious consequences. The FBI did an amazing job tracking him down and bringing him to justice 
. It just goes to show that no one is above the law, not even someone who was once idolized as a champion athlete 
.
Oh my gosh, can you even believe what just happened?! Ryan Wedding was on the run for so long and the US authorities finally caught up with him! I mean, 44 years old is way too young to be in a situation like this. The thought of all those lives he allegedly affected is just heartbreaking 
You gotta wonder how one guy managed to create this massive operation from the shadows. I mean, 15 million dollars for a lead? That's like throwing money at a problem trying to fix a symptom 
It raises so many questions about our border security and how these cartels operate. Is it just a case of Mexico not doing enough or is there something deeper going on here? 
The fact that this guy was able to evade law enforcement for so long tells me we need to be looking at our intelligence gathering capabilities 
And what about the families who were affected by his alleged crimes? Have they received any kind of support or compensation from the authorities? 
. It's interesting to note how his high-profile status and ability to evade capture for so long ultimately led to his downfall. The increased reward for information leading to his arrest speaks volumes about the severity of the FBI's investigation 
. While it's unfortunate that Wedding is now facing allegations of multiple murders, it's reassuring to know that justice will be served and families can begin to heal 
.
It's just crazy how far down the dark path someone can fall. And it's sad for all the families affected by his alleged crimes 
, right? and what's with the Pablo Escobar comparisons? dude was like the Michael Jordan of crime 
. anywayz, glad they finally caught him, I mean, who wants to live in fear of some snowboarding ex-olympic athlete 
? U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi really brought it when she said his operation was "one of the most prolific and violent"... that's like saying your aunt's gossip session is the most epic thing ever 
!
! Can't believe some former Olympians turn out to be total scammers. I mean, Ryan Wedding was a snowboarder, dude! He must've had it all - fame, fortune... and a penchant for violence 
. And now he's just another number on the FBI's list of notorious crooks.
. I mean, come on, Director Patel, you can't seriously expect us to believe that Wedding was as ruthless and powerful as some fictional supervillain from a movie 
. And what's with the $15 million reward? Just more cash for the government to waste 
.
. Justice served, right? But can we please just focus on keeping our society safe from folks like Wedding instead of perpetuating the "hero cop" narrative 
, the former Olympic snowboarder's alleged crimes are just unbelievable. 15 million dollars is a huge reward, I wonder how he got away with it for so long 
. It's crazy to think that one person could have such power and influence over an entire region. Anyway, at least justice has been served now 
.