Ontario, California, January 24, 2026
Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has been arrested in Mexico City and extradited to California, facing serious drug trafficking and murder charges. Authorities allege that he led a multinational operation trafficking significant amounts of cocaine and orchestrated multiple killings. His arrest follows a lengthy international investigation and is seen as a major victory in combatting global drug trafficking.
Ontario, California – Former Olympic Snowboarder Arrested for Alleged Drug Trafficking and Murder
Ryan Wedding, a 44-year-old former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, was arrested in Mexico City and extradited to California, where he faces serious drug trafficking and murder charges. Once celebrated for his participation in the 2002 Winter Olympics, Wedding is now accused of leading a multinational drug operation that trafficked approximately 60 tons of cocaine annually from Latin America to North America.
Details of the Arrest
Wedding turned himself in at the U.S. embassy in Mexico City on January 22, 2026. His arrest followed extensive collaboration among U.S., Mexican, Canadian, Colombian, and Dominican Republic authorities over more than a year. The FBI had added him to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in March 2025, offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. Authorities believe he had been hiding in Mexico for over a decade under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel, using aliases such as “El Jefe” and “Public Enemy.”
Charges and Allegations
Wedding faces federal charges in the U.S. for running a billion-dollar drug trafficking organization, which was the largest supplier of cocaine to Canada. The operation sourced cocaine from Colombia and collaborated with Mexican drug cartels to transport drugs by boat and plane to Mexico, then into the U.S. using semitrucks. The indictment also accuses him of orchestrating multiple killings, including that of a federal witness in Colombia to prevent his extradition to the U.S. In 2023, Wedding allegedly ordered the killings of two members of a Canadian family in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment, and in 2024, he is accused of ordering the killing of a driver over a drug debt.
Background
Ryan Wedding was born on September 14, 1981, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He competed for Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, finishing 24th in the parallel giant slalom event. After the Olympics, he was convicted in the U.S. in 2010 for attempting to purchase cocaine and was sentenced to four years in prison. Following his release, authorities allege he resumed drug trafficking activities, leading to his current charges. His arrest is considered a significant victory in the fight against global drug trafficking.
International Cooperation and Reactions
The arrest of Wedding highlights the ongoing international efforts to combat drug trafficking. Canadian authorities have expressed support for the arrest, viewing it as a major step forward in addressing illegal drug activities. The cooperation among multiple countries underscores the global commitment to dismantling transnational drug networks.
Related Developments
In related news, Alejandro Rosales Castillo, who was also apprehended in Mexico, was extradited to the U.S. last week. This arrest is part of a broader initiative to apprehend individuals involved in serious criminal activities across borders.
Conclusion
Ryan Wedding’s dramatic fall from Olympic athlete to alleged drug lord emphasizes the complexities of international crime and the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts. His case serves as a reminder of the resilience and dedication of authorities combatting drug trafficking networks. As Los Angeles and surrounding communities continue to face challenges related to illegal drug trade, it is essential to support local law enforcement and stay informed about ongoing developments in the region.
FAQ
Who is Ryan Wedding?
Ryan Wedding is a 44-year-old former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, born on September 14, 1981, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, finishing 24th in the parallel giant slalom event.
What charges does Ryan Wedding face?
Wedding faces federal charges in the U.S. for running a billion-dollar drug trafficking organization, the largest supplier of cocaine to Canada. He is also accused of orchestrating multiple killings, including that of a federal witness in Colombia to prevent his extradition to the U.S., and ordering the killings of two members of a Canadian family in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment.
How was Ryan Wedding apprehended?
Wedding turned himself in at the U.S. embassy in Mexico City on January 22, 2026. His arrest followed extensive collaboration among U.S., Mexican, Canadian, Colombian, and Dominican Republic authorities over more than a year.
What is the significance of this arrest?
The arrest of Ryan Wedding is considered a significant victory in the fight against global drug trafficking, highlighting ongoing international efforts to combat drug trafficking and dismantle transnational networks.
What other developments are related to this case?
In related news, Alejandro Rosales Castillo was also arrested in Mexico and extradited to the U.S. last week, part of a wider initiative to apprehend individuals involved in serious cross-border criminal activities.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Involved | Ryan Wedding, 44-year-old former Canadian Olympic snowboarder |
| Charges | Running a billion-dollar drug trafficking organization; orchestrating multiple killings, including that of a federal witness in Colombia |
| Arrest Details | Turned himself in at the U.S. embassy in Mexico City on January 22, 2026; extradited to California |
| Background | Competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics; previously convicted in 2010 for attempting to purchase cocaine |
| International Cooperation | Collaboration among U.S., Mexican, Canadian, Colombian, and Dominican Republic authorities over more than a year |
| Related Developments | Arrest of Alejandro Rosales Castillo |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
