Who Is Ryan Wedding? Ex-Olympian Wanted As Alleged Drug Lord in $15M FBI Case

Former Canadian Olympian Ryan James Wedding is now at the center of a major U.S. criminal investigation. The Department of Justice has accused him of running a violent drug trafficking network with links to the Sinaloa cartel. The case has escalated into a global manhunt, placing the former snowboarder on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list.

Authorities say Wedding went from competing on the world stage to operating a billion-dollar narcotics pipeline. U.S. officials announced the charges on Wednesday, revealing an extensive indictment and a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture. The allegations point to a rapid and dramatic shift in Wedding’s life after his Olympic career.

Inside the Case Against Ryan Wedding

Officials described Ryan Wedding as a key architect of a transnational drug empire. They said the organisation allegedly imports huge quantities of cocaine from Mexico into major U.S. cities. According to statements from senior officials at the Department of Justice, the network uses cartel partnerships to transport and protect shipments. The U.S. Treasury announced the seizure of cryptocurrency and property linked to the operation, showing how far the financial investigation has already reached.

Authorities also tied Wedding to acts of violence. According to U.S. investigators, the former Olympian allegedly ordered the killing of a federal witness in Medellín. That attack, carried out inside a crowded restaurant, prompted an additional $2 million reward for information on the shooters. An FBI director said more than 35 people associated with the operation have already been indicted. Officials described the group as operating with paramilitary characteristics, using intimidation to maintain control.

Wedding is 44 years old. He is described as a white male, 6 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 230 to 250 pounds. Authorities believe he moves between Mexico and protected safe houses. He is reportedly fluent in both English and Spanish, using multiple aliases and networks to evade law enforcement. The FBI said he should be considered extremely dangerous.

Wedding previously represented Canada in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah. He competed in the men’s parallel giant slalom and finished 24th. Officials noted the contrast between his athletic past and the scale of the criminal accusations now surrounding him. One FBI assistant director said the shift from “shredding powder to distributing powder cocaine” captures the dramatic nature of the case.

Broader Fallout From the International Manhunt

The indictment has drawn global attention because of the size and violence associated with the alleged trafficking network. Law enforcement agencies in multiple countries are now involved in the search. U.S. officials said they expect additional arrests as the investigation expands. The scale of cocaine distribution and the suspected financial channels have raised major concerns for security agencies.

Communities affected by drug trafficking may feel the impact of this case for years. Officials said they hope the crackdown disrupts cartel-linked supply chains. They also warned that violent retaliation is possible as authorities close in. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report credible information.

The case of Ryan Wedding continues to unfold as investigators push deeper into the organisation’s structure. The former Olympian’s name now dominates global headlines for reasons far removed from sport. Authorities say capturing him is a top U.S. priority, making the question of who Ryan Wedding is more urgent than ever.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Ryan Wedding?

Ryan Wedding is a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder. U.S. officials now accuse him of leading a violent drug trafficking organisation. He is wanted with a reward of up to $15 million.

Q2: Why is Ryan Wedding wanted by the FBI?

He is wanted for allegedly running a billion-dollar cocaine network linked to cartel groups. Officials also accuse him of ordering the killing of a federal witness.

Q3: What is the FBI reward for Ryan Wedding?

The FBI is offering up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest. An additional $2 million is available for details about the shooters in the Medellín attack.

Q4: Where was Ryan Wedding last seen?

Authorities believe he moves between Mexico and cartel-protected safe houses. He reportedly uses multiple identities to avoid detection.

Q5: Did Ryan Wedding compete in the Olympics?

Yes. He represented Canada in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics. He competed in the men’s parallel giant slalom.