Former Canadian Olympic Snowboarder Faces Serious Charges in U.S. Federal Court
Ryan Wedding, a 44-year-old former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, appeared in a U.S. federal court on Monday to face a series of grave charges. The allegations against him include operating a billion-dollar international drug-trafficking network and orchestrating multiple murders. Wedding entered a plea of not guilty to the drug and murder conspiracy charges, as reported by NBC News.
Year-Long International Manhunt Ends with Surrender
The legal proceedings follow a dramatic conclusion to a year-long international manhunt. Wedding turned himself in at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City last week. Authorities from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic had been actively searching for him during this period.
U.S. officials revealed that the former athlete, who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, had been evading capture in Mexico for over a decade. His status as a fugitive was elevated to the FBI's list of most wanted individuals, with a substantial $15 million reward offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
Allegations of Cocaine Trafficking and Violent Crimes
Law enforcement agencies have leveled serious accusations against Wedding. They claim he was involved in moving approximately 60 tons of cocaine through various countries, including Colombia, Mexico, Canada, and California. Investigators suspect he operated with the support of Mexico's infamous Sinaloa Cartel.
In 2024, Wedding was indicted on multiple charges related to drug trafficking and murder. The indictment alleges he led a billion-dollar drug-running organization that served as the primary supplier of cocaine to Canada. The charges extend to violent acts, with Wedding accused of directing the 2023 murders of two members of a Canadian family as retaliation for a stolen drug shipment. He is also charged with ordering another killing over a drug debt and organizing the murder of a potential witness in Colombia to avoid extradition to the United States.
Additional Legal Challenges in Canada
Beyond the U.S. charges, Canada has issued its own set of charges against Wedding, dating back to 2015. This adds another layer of legal complexity to his situation, highlighting the cross-border nature of the alleged criminal activities.
The case continues to develop as legal proceedings unfold in the U.S. federal court system.
