Key Takeaways
- Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder, is wanted by the FBI for allegedly running a transnational drug-trafficking organization.
- The organization is responsible for importing approximately 60 metric tons of cocaine into Los Angeles via semitrucks from Mexico each year.
- The State Department is offering a $15 million reward for information leading to Wedding’s arrest and/or conviction.
- Wedding is on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list and is believed to be hiding in Mexico, possibly being protected by the cartel.
- He has been charged with attempted murder and other counts, and is also accused of being involved in the death of a federal witness who was supposed to testify against him.
Introduction to the Case
The FBI’s Los Angeles field office has released a new photo of Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder who is allegedly the leader of a violent drug-trafficking organization. The image is believed to have been taken in Mexico over the summer, and authorities are hoping that it will help lead to his capture. Wedding is wanted by the FBI for his alleged role in running a transnational drug trafficking organization that is responsible for importing large quantities of cocaine into Los Angeles via semitrucks from Mexico. According to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the organization is responsible for importing approximately 60 metric tons of cocaine into Los Angeles each year, making it one of the largest and most prolific drug-trafficking organizations in the world.
The Charges Against Wedding
Wedding has been charged with attempted murder and other counts, and is also accused of being involved in the death of a federal witness who was supposed to testify against him. In November, a grand jury indictment was unsealed charging him in the death of the witness, who was fatally shot at a restaurant before he could testify. Authorities believe that Wedding "placed a bounty" on the witness’ head, and used a Canadian website to post images of the witness and his wife in an attempt to locate him. This alleged actions demonstrate the violent and ruthless nature of Wedding’s organization, and highlight the need for him to be brought to justice.
The Search for Wedding
The FBI is working to locate Wedding, who is believed to be hiding in Mexico. Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, said that Wedding is most likely being protected by the cartel and others in Mexico. The State Department is offering a $15 million reward for information that leads to his arrest and/or conviction, and Wedding is currently on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. The release of the new photo of Wedding is hoped to generate new leads in the case, and authorities are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.
Wedding’s Background
Wedding’s involvement in the drug trade is a far cry from his former life as a professional athlete. He represented Canada in the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2002, competing in snowboarding events. However, it appears that he has since become involved in a life of crime, and is now one of the most wanted men in the world. Attorney General Pam Bondi described him as "one of the most prolific and violent drug-trafficking organizations in this world," and said that he is currently the largest distributor of cocaine in Canada. The fact that Wedding has been able to transition from a successful athletic career to a life of crime highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to prevent and combat drug trafficking.
The Importance of Cooperation
The case against Wedding highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in different countries. The FBI is working closely with authorities in Mexico and Canada to locate Wedding and bring him to justice. The fact that Wedding is believed to be hiding in Mexico, and is possibly being protected by the cartel, demonstrates the need for international cooperation to combat drug trafficking. The reward being offered by the State Department is also a testament to the importance of generating leads and tips from the public, and demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to bringing those involved in drug trafficking to justice. By working together, law enforcement agencies can help to disrupt and dismantle drug-trafficking organizations, and make communities safer for everyone.