Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has been accused of running a large transnational drug trafficking organization. According to U.S. federal prosecutors, the operation is responsible for shipping massive amounts of cocaine into the United States and Canada and allegedly hiring contract killers to eliminate those who stood in their way.
Billion-Dollar Criminal Enterprise
Wedding, now 43 years old and residing in Mexico, is at the center of a federal indictment announced on Thursday by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Wedding, along with 15 others, faces charges including drug trafficking, criminal enterprise violations, and murder. The DOJ claims Wedding’s organization, which has operated for over 13 years, moved approximately 60 tons of cocaine per year, making billions of dollars in the process.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada described the group as “prolific and ruthless,” emphasizing their violent methods. “They were killers,” Estrada said, adding that anyone who opposed them would be targeted with violence, including murder.
Cocaine Smuggling Operation
The criminal organization allegedly used the Los Angeles area as a central hub for moving cocaine from Colombian drug labs to stash houses in the U.S. From there, the drugs were transported primarily to Canada, with some shipments reaching the U.S. East Coast. Federal prosecutors allege that the group’s vast drug smuggling network employed long-haul trucks to move the illicit cargo across borders.
Cryptocurrency and Money Laundering
In addition to drug trafficking, the Wedding-led organization is accused of laundering billions of dollars. Estrada revealed that the group moved a quarter of a billion dollars in just five months, from April to September, utilizing cryptocurrency to conceal their profits. As part of the investigation, law enforcement agencies have seized over a ton of cocaine, firearms, ammunition, $255,400 in U.S. currency, and $3.2 million in cryptocurrency.
Contract Killers and Brutal Murders
Prosecutors allege that the organization used contract killers to assassinate those who threatened its operations. The indictment highlights several brutal murders, including the execution-style killing of two parents in front of their daughter in a case of mistaken identity. The daughter, who was shot multiple times, survived the attack. Other victims were murdered over drug debts and disputes within the organization.
Wedding: A Fugitive on the Run
Ryan Wedding, who competed for Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics, is currently a fugitive, with the FBI offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest. Wedding, known by aliases such as “El Jefe,” “Giant,” and “Public Enemy,” faces severe charges that could result in a life sentence in federal prison if convicted. The indictment also includes murder and attempted murder charges related to his drug trafficking enterprise.
Law enforcement agencies have already arrested several of the defendants in locations across California, Michigan, Florida, Canada, Colombia, and Mexico. Many are expected to appear in court in the coming week.
