The FBI mentioned that the Canadian individual at the heart of one of the most significant global criminal investigations has been able to remain at large due to support from the influential Sinaloa drug cartel and other criminal groups in Mexico. Ryan Wedding, who has been evading authorities since 2015, is wanted for various drug-related offenses, as well as being linked to murder plots. Consequently, the U.S. State Department has raised the reward for Wedding’s capture to $15 million US from $10 million US.
Ryan Wedding initially gained public attention during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where he participated in snowboarding. Following his Olympic appearance, Wedding’s skiing career came to an end, and he encountered legal issues related to drug activities. Despite facing charges in both the U.S. and Canada, Wedding managed to escape to Mexico, where he has been on the run ever since.
Law enforcement authorities suspect that Wedding, now 44 years old, is residing in Mexico, overseeing a significant drug trafficking network with the protection of the infamous Sinaloa cartel. Although believed to be in Mexico, there are speculations that he might have eluded detection and relocated to other countries like the U.S., Canada, Colombia, or Central America.
According to FBI statements, Wedding has repeatedly avoided arrest over the years, with the Sinaloa cartel providing him with protection. The cartel, known for its widespread criminal activities and use of violence, has enabled Wedding to evade capture through a network of associates who have assisted him in evading law enforcement efforts. Recent reports indicate that Mexican federal agents are now actively involved in the search for Wedding.
Described as the largest cocaine distributor in Canada and the head of a violent drug trafficking organization, Wedding has been accused of orchestrating multiple murders globally. He is believed to have played a role in the assassination of a U.S. federal witness in Colombia. Additionally, Wedding’s alleged involvement in various drug trafficking activities, including the smuggling of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, has earned him comparisons to notorious drug lords like Pablo Escobar and El Chapo Guzman.
Several arrests have been made in connection with the ongoing investigation of Wedding, including individuals linked to his criminal activities. Despite the challenges in apprehending Wedding, U.S. authorities have reiterated their commitment to bringing him to justice, emphasizing that no one, regardless of their background, is exempt from facing legal consequences.
