Former Olympian and Alleged Drug Boss
Ryan Wedding — yes, the same guy who once represented Canada on the Olympic slopes — was picked up in Mexico after being on the run for years. U.S. authorities say he went from shredding snow to allegedly running a massive transnational drug operation tied to the Sinaloa cartel.
Allegations and How the Scheme Worked
Law enforcement officials claim Wedding coordinated large shipments of cocaine routed from Colombia through Mexico and into Southern California, with distribution extending into the U.S. and Canada. Prosecutors say the operation moved vast amounts of drugs and cash across borders for years.
Violence, Witness Targeting, and Indictments
Investigators accuse the network of multiple murders, including the killing of a federal witness who was reportedly targeted after being identified online. A grand jury later unsealed charges linking Wedding to that homicide, and a broader superseding indictment added attempted murder and other counts.
A Checkered Legal Past
Wedding’s criminal history stretches back: after competing in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, he was arrested in 2009 following an undercover cocaine buy in San Diego. He was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, served a federal sentence, and was released in late 2011. Authorities say the alleged empire grew after that release.
Massive Seizures and Co-conspirators Rounded Up
Officials report dozens of arrests tied to the network and a series of major seizures — thousands of kilograms of drugs, millions of dollars in illicit assets, firearms, and more. Mexican authorities also seized high-value items, including motorcycles and personal effects allegedly linked to Wedding.
Rewards, Arrest, and What’s Next
Wedding had been placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list earlier this year, with a multimillion-dollar reward offered for information leading to his capture. He was extradited to the United States and is scheduled to appear in court soon. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and more arrests could follow.
Bottom Line (and a Little Perspective)
It’s the kind of plot twist nobody asks for: Olympic athlete turns alleged cartel capo. Whether the courtroom confirms the headlines or not, this case has already hit the headlines for its scope, violence, and international reach. Stay tuned — the legal drama is just getting started.
