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Introduction
Ryan Wedding is a name that has shifted from the world of competitive snowboarding to the ranks of international crime. Once known for his participation in the 2002 Winter Olympics, he is now a fugitive with an alleged deep involvement in drug trafficking and organized crime. In March 2025, Wedding was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, with a $10 million reward offered for his capture. This in-depth analysis examines his life trajectory, from a promising athlete to one of North America’s most wanted criminals.
Early Life and Snowboarding Career
Ryan James Wedding was born on September 14, 1981, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Raised in a supportive family, he developed a passion for snowboarding at the age of 12. His talent quickly became evident, and by 15, he was competing at national and international levels.
Wedding’s dedication led him to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where he competed in the men’s parallel giant slalom, finishing 24th overall. His Olympic dreams ended there, as he failed to qualify for the next round. Following this, he enrolled at Simon Fraser University but left after two years, working briefly as a nightclub bouncer. This period marked a turning point in his life, eventually leading him down a path of crime.
Entry into the Criminal Underworld
Wedding’s first known entanglement with illegal activities dates back to 2006, when authorities investigated a large-scale marijuana cultivation operation in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. The bust led to the discovery of over 6,800 marijuana plants and 86 pounds of dried cannabis, valued at approximately $10 million. Though he was not charged at the time, his name was reportedly mentioned in connection with the operation.
By 2009, Wedding had moved into more serious crimes. He was arrested and convicted for conspiring to traffic cocaine in the United States. In 2010, he received a four-year prison sentence. Upon his release in 2011, he was deported to Canada and relocated to Montreal, where he continued his criminal activities.
Escalation into Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime
Following his return to Canada, Wedding was linked to Operation Harrington in 2013, a massive cocaine trafficking operation involving 15 tons of drugs. Authorities arrested 15 individuals in connection with the scheme. Over the next decade, his influence grew within North American criminal networks, reportedly forming alliances with organizations such as:
- Hells Angels: Rumored early ties to the notorious biker gang.
- Wolfpack Alliance: A loose confederation of organized crime groups, active in Toronto.
- Sinaloa Cartel: Wedding is suspected to be a high-ranking operative, managing cocaine distribution from Mexico to the U.S. and Canada.
Reports suggest that by 2024, he was orchestrating multi-ton drug shipments, utilizing semi-trucks to move narcotics from Colombia through Mexico and into North America. His operations allegedly generated over $1 billion in annual revenue.
Alleged Crimes and FBI Charges
In September 2024, a grand jury indicted Wedding on multiple federal charges, including:
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances
- Conspiracy to export cocaine internationally
- Continuing criminal enterprise charges
- Murder and attempted murder in connection with drug trafficking
Wedding is accused of ordering multiple murders, including two individuals in Canada (allegedly due to mistaken identity related to a stolen drug shipment) and two other known targets. Law enforcement officials warn that he likely maintains a network of hitmen, which has made capturing him significantly more challenging.
On March 6, 2025, the FBI officially placed Wedding on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, offering a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest. The announcement included a statement from FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis, noting, “Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada.”
Current Status and Ongoing Investigation
As of March 7, 2025, Wedding remains at large. His last confirmed whereabouts were in Mexico City, as revealed in a January 2024 wiretap. Authorities believe he may still be operating under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel, which provides him with resources and security in exchange for continued drug shipments.
Recent developments in the case include:
- The arrest of 12 of his close associates
- $148 million worth of cocaine seized in operations tied to his network
- Four key members of his criminal organization still at large
- An updated FBI photo of Wedding released in November 2024
Despite these efforts, Wedding’s ability to evade law enforcement underscores the complexity of dismantling high-level criminal enterprises.
Personal Life and Aliases
Ryan Wedding, now 43, is described as 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) tall and weighing approximately 240 pounds (109 kg). He is known to use multiple aliases, including:
- El Jefe
- Giant
- Public Enemy
- James Conrad King
- Jesse King
His ex-wife’s name has surfaced in money laundering investigations, with reports indicating they married while he was serving his prison sentence in Texas in 2011.
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1981 | Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada |
| 1993 | Began snowboarding at age 12, joined national team at 15 |
| 2002 | Competed in Winter Olympics, finished 24th in parallel giant slalom |
| 2006 | Named in search warrant for large-scale marijuana operation, not charged |
| 2009 | Arrested for cocaine trafficking conspiracy |
| 2010 | Convicted, sentenced to four years in prison |
| 2011 | Deported to Canada, married in prison |
| 2013 | Moved to Montreal, linked to Operation Harrington (15-ton cocaine shipment plot) |
| 2024 | Charged with leading a transnational crime group, orchestrating multiple murders |
| 2025 | Added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, $10 million reward offered |
Conclusion
Ryan Wedding’s transformation from an Olympic athlete to a fugitive crime lord highlights a dramatic and unexpected shift in life trajectory. His alleged involvement in high-level drug trafficking, orchestrating murders, and maintaining cartel connections makes him one of the most sought-after fugitives by law enforcement agencies worldwide. The $10 million reward reflects the severity of his alleged crimes, and while he remains at large, authorities continue their pursuit to bring him to justice.
This detailed analysis provides a comprehensive look at Wedding’s life and criminal activities, offering insight into the complexities of transnational crime and law enforcement efforts against global drug trafficking networks.
