Key Takeaways
- Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, was arrested on January 23, 2026, after a "massive" international manhunt.
- Wedding is accused of being a major cocaine kingpin, with ties to Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartel, and faces multiple murder and money laundering charges.
- He was added to the FBI’s "10 Most Wanted Fugitives" list in March 2025, with a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.
- Wedding’s transformation from Olympic athlete to alleged drug dealer occurred over several years, with his first arrest in 2008 and subsequent releases from prison.
- He is expected to face justice in the United States, where he will remain in custody until his initial court appearance.
Introduction to Ryan Wedding’s Arrest
Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, was arrested on Friday, January 23, 2026, after a "massive" international manhunt. Wedding, who was wanted on multiple murder and money laundering charges, was flown to the United States, where he will face justice. The 44-year-old is expected to remain in custody during the weekend before an initial court appearance on Monday morning. According to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Wedding’s arrest is a significant milestone in the fight against drug trafficking, and he will be held accountable for his alleged crimes.
Charges Against Ryan Wedding
Wedding, along with 15 co-conspirators, was charged with eight felonies in October 2024, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to export cocaine, and leading a continuing criminal enterprise. He was also charged with three counts of murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime, and one count of attempt to commit murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime. Additionally, Wedding was charged with running a continuing criminal enterprise, murder, and conspiring to possess, distribute, and export cocaine. The Trump administration unsealed another indictment related to Wedding in November 2025, charging him with nine more criminal acts related to witness intimidation, money laundering, and murder.
Ryan Wedding’s Transformation
Wedding’s transformation from Olympic athlete to alleged drug dealer occurred over several years. He first appeared on the Canadian national snowboarding team in 1997 and competed in events around the world, culminating with his appearance at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. After his competitive career ended, Wedding enrolled at Simon Fraser University and moved to Vancouver, where he took a job as a bouncer at a club. This introduction to the drug underworld allegedly led to his involvement in the drug trade. Wedding was arrested in June 2008 and accused of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. He was found guilty in November 2009 and sentenced to four years in prison in 2010. However, after his release from prison in December 2011, Wedding’s alleged involvement in the drug trade continued to escalate.
International Manhunt and Arrest
Wedding was added to the FBI’s "10 Most Wanted Fugitives" list in March 2025, with a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction. The reward was subsequently increased to $15 million in November by the U.S. Department of State. Los Angeles was considered the hub of Wedding’s drug distribution network, but he was long believed to be hiding in Mexico under the protection of the Sinaloa drug cartel. Wedding was arrested on Thursday night, January 22, in Mexico City, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. The details of his arrest were not disclosed, citing the need to "maximize operational security."
Aftermath of the Arrest
Following Wedding’s arrest, Mexican authorities executed multiple search warrants and seized dozens of motorcycles valued at more than $40 million that were believed to be owned by Wedding. The items included 62 "high-end" motorcycles, as well as two vehicles, artwork, two Olympic medals, and drugs. The FBI announced the seizure on December 29, 2025. Attorney General Pam Bondi thanked U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson and Mexican authorities for assisting in the case. Wedding was flown to the United States to face criminal charges, and his initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday morning. The arrest of Ryan Wedding marks a significant milestone in the fight against drug trafficking, and his alleged crimes will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
