Authorities from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico successfully confiscated motorcycles valued at $40 million, which are linked to Ryan James Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder turned notorious drug kingpin. The major operation was announced by the FBI on social media and was made possible through the collaboration of Mexican law enforcement with the FBI, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Los Angeles Police Department.
As part of the operation, a significant number of motorcycles believed to belong to Wedding were found in a warehouse, with images released by the FBI showcasing the impressive haul. Wedding is currently one of the FBI’s most wanted criminals, having been charged alongside 15 others in October 2024. The charges include running a transnational drug trafficking and murder syndicate involved in transporting large amounts of cocaine from Colombia to Canada, utilizing routes through Mexico and Southern California.
Authorities allege that Wedding and his associates were responsible for orchestrating four murders to further their criminal activities. The U.S. Justice Department revealed that the cocaine was moved to the Los Angeles area, where it was stored before being distributed to various transportation networks, with violence frequently employed to maintain control over their operations.
Once an athlete who competed for Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics, finishing 24th in the parallel giant slalom, Wedding’s life took a dramatic turn towards crime. Due to his significant criminal activities, he has earned himself a spot on the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted list. Recently, in a related series of arrests, 10 individuals associated with his drug enterprise were taken into custody for the murder of a federal witness, while Wedding remains at large.
The 43-year-old Canadian national is described as a white male, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighing around 240 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. There is a standing reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction. Officials believe he may currently be hiding in Mexico and advise that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with potential information about Wedding is encouraged to reach out to the FBI through various platforms, including WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram at 424-495-0614, or contact their local FBI office or nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
This case highlights the ongoing collaboration among international law enforcement agencies to address the challenges of transnational crime and drug trafficking, underscoring the importance of community assistance in combating organized crime.