Ryan James Wedding, once a promising athlete on Canada’s Olympic snowboarding team, has been indicted as the alleged mastermind behind an extensive international drug smuggling network. The U.S. Department of Justice, in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, has launched a sweeping operation to dismantle the criminal enterprise, resulting in multiple arrests and raids across North and South America.
Authorities claim that the 43-year-old, who represented his country at the Salt Lake City Winter Games in 2002, has since become the architect of a massive narcotics operation. The organization allegedly moves large amounts of cocaine each year, approximately 60 tons, which is equivalent to the weight of ten adult elephants, using a complex route from South America through Mexico and into North American markets.
The operation’s scope became apparent when the FBI conducted a high-profile raid on a multi-million dollar mansion in Aventura, Florida. According to 7News, residents of the exclusive Island Estates community were awakened by FBI agents commanding,
“All occupants of 3914 Island Estates Drive, this is the FBI. We have a search warrant for this residence. All occupants inside the residence exit the front door at this time with your hands up.”
FBI special agent, Kristi Hawkins, stated that the search led to the arrest of an individual that they believe is affiliated with the criminal group.
The indictment alleges that Ryan James Wedding’s organization employed sophisticated methods to move and distribute their illicit cargo. According to investigators, after crossing the border from Mexico, the narcotics would be concealed in long-haul trucks bound for the West Coast. Los Angeles allegedly served as a distribution hub, with drugs temporarily housed in nondescript locations before being shipped to other parts of the country.
Beyond drug trafficking, the organization is implicated in multiple murders. Law enforcement has tied the group to an incident that happened in Canada, where a couple was shot and killed in front of their daughter. Officials believe that it was a misguided act of vengeance related to missing narcotics.
The efforts of the authorities have resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals associated with the organization, including high-ranking members. However, Wedding and three others have still not been apprehended and are currently listed on the FBI’s “Most Wanted” page. Many agencies are currently involved in this investigation including the FBI, DEA, LAPD, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
For information that could lead to Ryan James Wedding’s arrest, the FBI is offering a substantial $50,000 reward.
US prosecutors are charging him with murder, attempted murder, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, and conspiracy to distribute, possess, and export cocaine. This isn’t Wedding’s first brush with the law. Court records show he previously spent time behind bars for drug-related offenses.