URGENT UPDATE: Mexican authorities have launched a series of dramatic raids targeting Ryan Wedding, a fugitive Canadian Olympian wanted by the FBI for allegedly orchestrating a massive drug-trafficking operation. These operations took place on December 25, 2023, across multiple locations in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
In these coordinated efforts, officials seized an astonishing haul including 62 high-end motorcycles, Olympic medals, significant quantities of drugs—specifically methamphetamine and marijuana—and ammunition. The raids underscore a crucial push to apprehend Wedding, who has been described as one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives.
While the Mexican government did not officially name Wedding in their announcement, they confirmed the target as a former Olympic athlete among the top ten fugitives sought by US authorities. Wedding, aged 44, represented Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics, where he finished 24th in the men’s parallel giant slalom. Despite his Olympic participation, he did not earn any medals, raising questions about the origin of the Olympic medals seized.
Officials assert that Wedding is the alleged kingpin of a billion-dollar drug trade, reportedly leading an organization responsible for smuggling 60 metric tonnes of cocaine each year from Mexico to Canada via California. He was added to the FBI’s most-wanted list in March 2023 following extensive investigations into his criminal activities, which include allegations of contract killings.
In addition to the drugs and motorcycles, authorities retrieved various artworks and documents that may provide further insights into Wedding’s operations and whereabouts.
The urgency of these developments highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle organized crime networks in the region. As the situation unfolds, authorities are expected to intensify their search for Wedding, whose illicit activities have had significant impacts on communities across North America.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
