LOS ANGELES, CA – A shocking international drug operation led by a former Olympic snowboarder has come to light, capturing the attention of law enforcement across the globe. The man at the center of this massive enterprise, Ryan Wedding, is now on the run, with the FBI offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
In 2002, Ryan Wedding represented Canada as a snowboarder in the Winter Olympics. Fast forward to today, and the 43-year-old has been declared a fugitive by the FBI, accused of orchestrating a sprawling drug trafficking network. This operation, known as the Wedding Crime Enterprise, has allegedly smuggled vast quantities of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico, into the United States, and onward to Canada.
The FBI has provided a glimpse into the scale of this operation by showcasing a small portion of the cocaine seized this year. Wedding’s organization is accused of moving approximately 60 tons of cocaine annually into North America, with Los Angeles serving as a central hub for the illegal activities. Stash houses in the area were reportedly used to store the drugs before they were distributed, with Canadian operatives managing the logistics.
The Wedding Crime Enterprise is not only notorious for its drug smuggling but also for its violent methods. Authorities link the group to several murders across Canada and Latin America, with victims often executed in a brutal and public manner. These violent acts have been detailed in a U.S. Attorney’s indictment, seeking to hold the organization accountable for its crimes.
The operation’s financial gains were substantial, with profits laundered through various channels, including cryptocurrency wallets. Over its 13-year span, the network’s reach extended from Colombia to Mexico, through Los Angeles, and into Michigan, Florida, and Canada.
Law enforcement agencies, including the LAPD, have connected various acts of violence in Los Angeles to the Wedding Crime Enterprise. Canada has also tied Wedding to three murders, including the tragic case of an Indian couple killed due to mistaken identity during a visit to the country.
Should authorities successfully apprehend Wedding, he faces a litany of charges that could result in a life sentence in prison. Both U.S. and Canadian officials are eager to bring him to justice, with Canada particularly interested due to his connection to multiple murders.
As the search for Wedding continues, law enforcement remains vigilant, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in capturing this alleged kingpin.