The fall from grace is staggering. Ryan Wedding, once a symbol of Canadian athletic prowess on the Olympic snowboarding stage, is now accused of commanding a ruthless, international drug empire.
For years, Wedding evaded capture, becoming a ghost pursued by international law enforcement. His name recently ascended to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, carrying a staggering $15-million reward for information leading to his apprehension.
Authorities allege Wedding, 44, isn’t just a trafficker, but the architect of a particularly brutal organization. The scope of his alleged crimes is immense, with accusations linking him to a horrifying number of deaths.
The organization reportedly moved an astonishing 60 metric tons of cocaine annually into Los Angeles, utilizing a network of semi-trucks crossing the border from Mexico. This wasn’t a small operation; it was a massive, calculated assault on the nation’s security.
Those within the FBI drew chilling parallels between Wedding and notorious drug lords of the past. He was dubbed “Public Enemy,” “El Jefe,” and “Giant” – nicknames that reflect the scale of his alleged power and influence.
The addition to the FBI’s Most Wanted list in March intensified the manhunt, signaling the urgency and severity of the threat he posed. The $15-million reward underscored the commitment to bringing him to justice.
Confirmation of his arrest arrived Friday, bringing an end to a long and complex pursuit. Details surrounding the capture are expected to be revealed soon, promising a deeper look into the downfall of a former Olympian turned alleged kingpin.
