Ryan Wedding, a former Olympian and a 44-year-old Canadian snowboarder, has been implicated as a central figure in an extensive international drug trafficking operation, which federal authorities estimate brings in $1 billion worth of narcotics into the United States annually. Wedding, who represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, is currently facing serious charges, including the ordered killing of a federal witness.
Investigators have gathered evidence linking Wedding to a criminal enterprise that smuggles approximately six metric tons of cocaine each year into Los Angeles from Mexico. In a recent press conference, FBI Director Kash Patel drew a stark comparison, labeling Wedding a “modern-day iteration” of notorious drug lords like Pablo Escobar and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
The FBI has placed Wedding on its 10 Most Wanted list, emphasizing the severity of his alleged crimes. Federal authorities have issued a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. Assistant Director Akil Davis highlighted the extent of Wedding’s criminal activities, claiming he orchestrated killings against rivals and anyone who posed a threat to his operations.
The case took a significant turn with the announcement of a recent crackdown dubbed Operation Giant Slalom, resulting in the arrest of ten individuals linked to Wedding’s drug ring. Among those taken into custody are Deepak Balwant Paradkar, known as the “Cocaine Lawyer” from Ontario, and several other suspects from Canada, Colombia, and Florida.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli characterized the murder of the witness in Colombia earlier this year as a “cruel, cold-blooded act” that reflects the ruthlessness of Wedding’s organization. The recent arrests serve not only as a measure to dismantle this criminal network but also as a warning to Wedding and those involved that justice will prevail.
As authorities continue to pursue leads and gather evidence, the public and law enforcement remain hopeful that Wedding will be apprehended soon. The collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies demonstrates a strong commitment to combating drug trafficking and ensuring that those who threaten public safety are held accountable.