A Former Olympian Turned Fugitive

Ryan Wedding, a former Olympian who once competed in snowboarding for Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, has been added to the FBI’s list of top 10 most wanted fugitives. This recent development highlights a dramatic turn in his life from an athlete to a fugitive, underscoring the severity of his alleged crimes.

The Crimes and Charges

Wedding is accused of operating a transnational drug trafficking network, responsible for shipping hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico to the United States and Canada. His alleged involvement extends to orchestrating multiple murders and an attempted murder, intensifying the urgency for his capture. The scale of his operations and the associated violence mark him as a significant threat.

Rewards and Efforts to Capture

The U.S. State Department is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to Wedding’s capture, supplemented by an additional $50,000 from the FBI. These incentives reflect the collaborative efforts between U.S. and Canadian authorities to apprehend him, emphasizing the gravity of his alleged offenses and the international nature of his crimes.

Wedding’s Background and Previous Convictions

Wedding, known by aliases such as "El Jefe" and "Giant," stands at 6’3" and weighs 240 pounds. Previously convicted of cocaine conspiracy in 2010, he served a prison sentence, yet his criminal activities seemingly continued. His physical stature and criminal history paint a picture of a formidable figure in the drug trade.

Recent Developments in the Case

The recent arrest of Andrew Clark, one of Wedding’s alleged accomplices, highlights progress in the investigation. Clark’s capture in Mexico and impending arraignment in the U.S. suggest that authorities are closing in on Wedding, potentially leading to further breakthroughs in dismantling his network.

The FBI’s Message and Call to Action

The FBI urges the public to assist in tracking down Wedding, emphasizing the dangers he poses. By involving the community, the FBI aims to prevent further harm and bring Wedding to justice, illustrating the importance of public participation in combating crime and ensuring safety.