A former Olympic athlete has made headlines for all the wrong reasons after being arrested for allegedly leading a massive drug trafficking operation. Ryan Wedding, a 44-year-old who once competed for Canada in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, is now facing serious criminal charges, including drug trafficking and possible links to contract killings.
Former Olympian Ryan Wedding Arrested in Major Drug Trafficking Case
After years on the run, Ryan Wedding was finally captured in Mexico and is now being transported back to the U.S. He had been on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for months, wanted for trafficking multi-ton quantities of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico into North America. Authorities also suspect him of being involved in multiple murders-for-hire.
A Decade on the Run Comes to an End
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest on social media platform X, saying that Wedding had been hiding in Mexico for over a decade. The charges against him date back to 2004, shortly after his brief Olympic appearance.
According to law enforcement, Wedding was a key player in a transnational drug network, believed to be connected with the Sinaloa Cartel—one of the most powerful and violent drug organizations in the world.
Links to the Sinaloa Cartel and Cocaine Trafficking
Authorities claim Wedding managed operations that moved hundreds of kilos of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico, and into both the United States and Canada. His role wasn’t small, either. According to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi:
“He controls one of the most prolific and violent drug-trafficking organizations in this world. He is the largest distributor of cocaine in Canada.”
These are heavy words, suggesting that Wedding had climbed to the top ranks of the illegal drug trade, far removed from his Olympic past.
From Olympic Ice to the FBI’s Most Wanted
Ryan Wedding’s journey took a shocking turn. In 2002, he proudly represented Canada at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City as an athlete. Though he didn’t win any medals, he achieved what many only dream of—competing on the world stage.
But just two years later, his name would appear on federal indictments rather than leaderboards. After being charged with major drug offences and suspected murder ties, he vanished, reportedly living under the radar in Mexico for more than ten years.
What Happens Next
With his arrest in Mexico, Wedding is being extradited to the United States to face charges. He could potentially be tried for drug trafficking, conspiracy, and even murder-for-hire, depending on what investigators uncover.
Lawyers and international agencies will now work through the legal process, but if convicted, Wedding could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
