Former Olympic snowboarder and Canadian national, Ryan Wedding, 43, was added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitives list for involvement in Cartel drug operations.
A reward of up to $10 million USD for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Ryan James Wedding, the alleged leader of a Mexican Cartel-linked criminal network, was announced on March 6.
Wedding, who also goes by the names:
- “Giant”
- “Public Enemy”
- “El Jefe”
Wedding was charged in an original indictment with running a continuing criminal enterprise, murder, and conspiring to possess, distribute, and export cocaine.
Law enforcement is aware of past and current attempts to intimidate/threaten witnesses by the Wedding organization and affiliates. Any attempt to intimidate or threaten a witness will be investigated thoroughly and those found committing these offences will be prosecuted.
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“Ryan Wedding continues to pose one of the largest organized crime threats to Canada, even as a fugitive. We will continue to work with our U.S. and Mexico counterparts in the search for Wedding,” said Liam Price, director general, International Special Services.
“Never has it been more important than now to ensure our continued collaboration with our international partners to tackle the threats we face and prevent transnational crime from hurting everyday Canadians and our allies.”
The RCMP and FBI worked together for over a year to target a Mexican Cartel-linked criminal network. This network has been moving large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine from Central and South America via the United States to Canada and overseas. It also has been commissioning murders across North America, and laundering significant proceeds of crime.
“The RCMP is serious about going after the leaders of these drug trafficking organizations. Through collaborative efforts with the FBI, we have disrupted a major organized crime group,” said Chief Superintendent Mathieu Bertrand, director general, Serious and Organized Crime and Border Integrity.
“We will continue to work with the FBI, as well as our Canadian police partner agencies, to work towards ensuring the safety and security of our communities and citizens.”
RCMP Federal Policing worked closely with the FBI during the investigation and acted as a crucial link to Canadian law enforcement, including Niagara Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Service, Sûreté du Québec, and Peel Regional Police.
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