FBI’s Top Ten: Former Olympian Ryan Wedding wanted, $10M reward for leads!

A chilling turn of events has emerged from the world of sports and crime as authorities shine a spotlight on 43-year-old Ryan Wedding, a former Olympian snowboarder now infamous for his alleged involvement in a transnational drug trafficking organization. Officials announced on March 6, 2025, that Wedding has been added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List, a notable step considering the severity of the charges against him, which include not just drug trafficking but also orchestrating multiple murders.

The case unfolded early on Thursday morning, when federal officials revealed that Wedding, who once competed for the Canadian national team at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games, is wanted for leading a violent network responsible for transporting hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from South America to North America. The organization reportedly smuggled drugs across borders, moving them from Colombia through Mexico before distributing them throughout the United States and Canada.

Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division, characterized Wedding’s criminal agenda as one that unleashed “an avalanche of death and destruction, here and abroad.” He referenced Wedding’s alias “El Jefe,” a title evoking the ruthless leadership style often found in organized crime syndicates. “He earned this name for becoming the boss of a violent transnational drug trafficking organization,” Allen remarked, firm in his resolve to see justice served.

The scope of the operation was starkly illustrated through a recent seizure, which resulted in authorities confiscating around 1.8 tons of cocaine, valued at up to $25 million. Such figures underscore the immense scale of Wedding’s alleged operations, highlighting the dangers posed by individuals who exploit their past affiliations for criminal purposes.

In a string of disturbing events linked to these activities, Wedding is also charged with ordering several murders in Ontario, Canada, alongside an attempted murder carried out in furtherance of these drug crimes. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs stepped in, announcing a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture, significantly increasing the stakes in what has become a high-profile case that spans multiple countries.

Just last week, authorities made strides in the investigation with the extradition of Andrew Clark, Wedding’s alleged accomplice, who was apprehended while in Mexico. Authorities have labeled Clark as Wedding’s right-hand man, which raises concerns about the network’s vast reach and resources. According to reports, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment that includes new charges against both Wedding and Clark, highlighting a concerted effort by law enforcement to dismantle the infrastructure of their drug trafficking operations.

The FBI has urged anyone with information regarding Wedding’s whereabouts to come forward, utilizing platforms like WhatsApp and Signal for anonymity. Emphasizing the urgency, officials encourage the public to play a role in a case that could culminate in severe penalties for those involved. If convicted on all charges, both men might face life sentences in federal prison as the legal system gears up for what could be a lengthy battle ahead.

As this story continues to unfold, the implications stretch far beyond just one individual’s fall from grace. The investigation not only reveals the dangers of drug trafficking but also serves as a stark reminder of how a celebrated athlete’s life can veer into chaos. With legal proceedings set to advance, the spotlight remains firmly on both Wedding and Clark, as well as the broader implications of their alleged crimes, while the authorities vow to continue their pursuit of justice relentlessly.