On March 6, 2025, the FBI announced that Ryan Wedding, a former Olympian turned alleged drug kingpin, has been placed on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. The announcement, made at a press conference in Los Angeles by Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, highlights the urgency of capturing this dangerous fugitive.

Ryan Wedding, a Canadian ex-Olympic snowboarder born in Thunder Bay, is facing serious charges related to a sprawling drug trafficking network. He is accused of orchestrating cocaine shipments from Colombia through Mexico and into the United States and Canada, collaborating with prominent Mexican cartels.

Authorities allege that Wedding ordered multiple murders in Ontario as part of his drug operations, reflecting the violent nature of his criminal enterprise. In response to these allegations, the U.S. Department of State has offered a substantial reward of $10 million for information that could lead to his arrest, in addition to the FBI’s reward of $50,000.

Wedding’s background is noteworthy; he competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics as a snowboarder before supposedly shifting to a life of crime. In June 2024, Wedding and his associate, Andrew Clark, were indicted for running a criminal organization and committing murder linked to drug trafficking activities. Clark has since been apprehended and extradited to the U.S.

The indictment reveals that Wedding and Clark allegedly coordinated large shipments of cocaine, often weighing hundreds of pounds, from Southern California to Canada between January and August 2024. These shipments were reportedly stored in “stash houses” before distribution using long-haul trucks.

Specific incidents cited in the indictment include the alleged murder of two family members in Ontario in November 2023, purportedly ordered as retribution for a stolen drug shipment. Additionally, Wedding is implicated in the May killing of another individual over drug debts.

Federal prosecutors have charged Wedding with eight serious felonies, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, leading a continuing criminal enterprise, and multiple murder charges. Throughout the investigation, law enforcement officials have seized substantial evidence, including over a ton of cocaine and more than $3 million in cryptocurrency.

“Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada,” stated Akil Davis. He emphasized the threats posed by Wedding, labeling him a “very dangerous man.”

Furthermore, senior officials underscore the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling transnational crime. Cart Weiland, senior bureau official for the U.S. Department of State International Bureau, remarked, “The Department of State… will continue to support the FBI, the government of Mexico, and the Government of Canada in the fight against narcotics trafficking.”

Joseph McNally, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, noted the significant quantities of cocaine attributed to Wedding’s organization and its violent implications on numerous communities.

Alan Hamilton, Chief of Detectives at the Los Angeles Police Department, identified Los Angeles as the primary hub for Wedding’s operations, stating that an estimated 60 metric tons of cocaine pass through the city annually. He expressed the department’s determination to eradicate such transnational organized crime and ensure that Los Angeles is no haven for drug traffickers.

Authorities urge the public to assist in the pursuit of Ryan Wedding. Individuals with any information regarding his whereabouts can confidentially report to the FBI via WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram at (424) 495-0614. Tips can also be submitted through local FBI offices or via the FBI’s online portal at tips.fbi.gov.

Wedding is currently believed to be in Mexico, though he may also be in Canada, the U.S., or Colombia, and law enforcement warns that his appearance may have changed since his criminal activities began.

The legal proceedings for those in custody are set to commence with a trial scheduled for May 7. If convicted, both Wedding and Clark could face severe penalties, including mandatory life sentences for the most serious charges.

The FBI’s action against Ryan Wedding marks a significant development in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime across North America. Local and federal law enforcement agencies remain committed to bringing him to justice.