Ryan Wedding, a former Olympian who competed for Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics, has been added to the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list due to serious allegations of running a drug empire and orchestrating murders. The 43-year-old is facing multiple charges related to drug trafficking and murder, with a reward of $10 million offered for information leading to his capture.
- Former Olympian Ryan Wedding on FBI's wanted list
- Accused of running drug empire and murders
- Shipping cocaine from Colombia to Canada
- $10 million reward for information on Wedding
- Couple killed in mistaken identity case
- Faces life imprisonment if convicted
Wedding has been accused of operating a drug trafficking network that imported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia into Canada and the united states. According to the Department of Justice, these drugs were transported through Mexico and Southern California. He allegedly shipped five metric tons of fentanyl monthly, making him a significant figure in the illegal drug trade.
The FBI describes Wedding as “very dangerous” and highlights his involvement in violent crimes linked to drug operations. In November 2023, he was implicated in the murders of Jagtar and Harbhajan Sidhu in Ontario, Canada. The couple was mistakenly targeted over a stolen drug shipment while visiting from India; their daughter survived an attack during this incident.
- Wedding’s known aliases include El Jefe, Giant, and Jesse King.
- He became a fugitive in 2015 after being charged with various criminal offenses.
- If convicted on all counts, he could face life imprisonment or significant prison time for associated charges.
Previously part of Canada’s Olympic snowboard team, Wedding finished 24th in his event at Salt Lake City. His criminal history includes a prior conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in 2010. As investigations continue into his activities and connections with Mexican cartels, authorities remain uncertain about his current location but believe he may be hiding out in North America or Central America.
This situation underscores the complexities surrounding organized crime within Canada and its ties to broader global issues involving narcotics distribution and violence. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Wedding’s whereabouts to come forward as they seek justice for those affected by these crimes.
