Fugitive Ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding Captured in Mexico, Returned to U.S. by FBI
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ryan Wedding, the former Canadian Olympic snowboarder who became one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted fugitives, was captured in Mexico and flown back to the United States on Friday, federal officials confirmed. Wedding, 44, was accused of orchestrating a cocaine trafficking ring linked to the notorious Sinaloa cartel, along with multiple murders and attempted murders tied to his drug operations.
Authorities said that after a prolonged period on the run, Wedding surrendered to Mexican law enforcement following negotiations, marking the end of an intense international manhunt. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the capture on social media, noting that Wedding was transported to the U.S. under the escort of FBI Director Kash Patel, who personally accompanied the fugitive on the flight.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the operation was a coordinated effort involving Mexican authorities and U.S. federal agencies. The FBI had placed Wedding on its Ten Most Wanted list due to his alleged role as a drug kingpin responsible for violent crimes connected to the trafficking network.
Wedding’s fall from grace has been dramatic. Once celebrated for his achievements as an Olympic snowboarder representing Canada, he later became entangled in organized crime. U.S. prosecutors charged him with leading a cocaine ring that funneled narcotics from Mexico into the United States, leveraging the Sinaloa cartel’s extensive network. The cartel is one of the largest and most dangerous drug trafficking organizations globally, according to reports from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
FBI Director Patel praised the capture as a significant victory in the ongoing crackdown on transnational crime. “This arrest demonstrates the commitment of U.S. law enforcement to bring dangerous criminals to justice, regardless of where they attempt to hide,” Patel said in a statement. The operation aligns with broader federal efforts to dismantle drug trafficking organizations that threaten public safety across borders.
While details of the surrender negotiations remain confidential, sources familiar with the case indicated that mounting pressure and the impossibility of evading capture led Wedding to turn himself in. Upon arrival in the U.S., he was taken into custody and is expected to face charges including drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit murder, and other violent crimes.
The Department of Justice is preparing to prosecute Wedding in federal court. His case underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in combating complex international drug networks and the violent consequences that often accompany them. The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives program continues to be a critical tool in apprehending individuals who pose significant threats to public safety.
As authorities proceed with the legal process, officials reaffirmed their commitment to disrupting the operations of drug cartels and holding accountable those who exploit their status and resources to evade justice. Wedding’s capture marks a notable chapter in this ongoing effort.
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