A shocking turn of events has surfaced as authorities have indicted Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder, for allegedly heading one of the largest drug trafficking operations between North America and South America. This gripping tale of athletic prowess turned criminal conspiracy has left many aghast, as the former sportsman faces serious allegations, including murder and extensive drug trafficking.
At 43 years old, Wedding, who was once celebrated for representing Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, is now on the radar of the FBI as they pursue him for charges associated with leading a criminal enterprise notorious for trafficking vast quantities of cocaine. The Department of Justice (DOJ) describes the organization he allegedly led as “prolific and ruthless,” claiming it shipped around 60 tons of cocaine each year.
Wedding has been characterized as more than just a participant on the Olympic stage; he is believed to have transformed his life from snow-covered slopes to the grim underworld of drug trafficking. His criminal activities reportedly spanned thirteen years, with the organization using Los Angeles as its primary hub for operations, moving cocaine from drug kitchens located in Colombia to stash houses across California before funneling it to Canada and the East Coast of the United States.
According to U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, Wedding and his criminal group maneuvered shipments through long-haul trucks, displaying not only audacity but also careful planning over the years. "They would ship literally tons of cocaine, and were known to resort to extreme violence to eliminate anyone they viewed as standing in their way," Estrada noted during the press briefing.
This indictment, which includes 16 defendants overall, charges Wedding with multiple felonies, ranging from conspiracy to export cocaine to three counts of murder. His alleged involvement is particularly chilling: authorities report he orchestrated violent acts against those suspected of stealing from the operation, employing hitmen to carry out the killings. The most harrowing incidents involve multiple execution-style murders, where innocent victims were targeted.
One such incident recounted by prosecutors included the targeting of two Indian nationals, killed mistakenly over what was believed to be involvement with stolen cocaine. Tragically, they were shot dead right in front of their daughter, who also sustained gunshot wounds but survived the incident.
A surprising detail is how this organization managed to stay afloat financially. The DOJ revealed the use of cryptocurrency as part of their operations, with Wedding and associates managing to launder large sums of money. From April to September alone, they purportedly washed $250 million using this method. At the same time, law enforcement successfully seized over one ton of cocaine, various firearms, and significant cash during the investigation.
Ryan Wedding’s fugitive status has now placed him at the center of intense law enforcement activity. He reportedly resides in Mexico, and the FBI has announced plans to capture him, offering up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest. Meanwhile, his co-defendant, Andrew Clark, was apprehended earlier this month, with both men facing life behind bars if convicted of the serious charges laid against them.
Formerly known for his athletic achievements, Wedding's descent from Olympic athlete to crime lord encapsulates the darker side of fame and success. His Olympic legacy is tarnished, and as the DOJ asserts, he chose to wield his influence not for good, but as part of one of the most violent drug-crime organizations operating today.
Authorities are committed to dismantling the organization, noting the violence associated with Wedding’s network has had devastating repercussions not just within the drug trade, but also on communities affected by these violent acts. The FBI’s special agent-in-charge, Krysti Hawkins, reiterated their resolve to tackle drug trafficking and violent crime, emphasizing the interconnected nature of these offenses.
This saga serves as both cautionary and compelling, illustrating the sad tale of how ambition can lead individuals down perilous paths, forever altering lives. The investigation, dubbed Operation Giant Slalom—a playful reference to Wedding’s Olympic background—aims to eradicate not only the crimes associated with Wedding and his associates but also the violence and chaos they have brought to society.
