From Olympic Dreams to a Life on the Run: Ryan Wedding Arrested

Tue Feb 03 2026 15:52:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder and suspected drug kingpin Ryan Wedding has been arrested in Mexico, facing serious charges after evading authorities for years.

Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder, has been apprehended in Mexico following years of evasion from the law. Wanted for drug trafficking and murder, he is described by officials as a 'modern-day Pablo Escobar.' Wedding operated a transnational drug network that reportedly smuggled tonnes of cocaine into multiple countries. He now faces numerous felony charges and may soon be extradited to the United States.

Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder and alleged drug kingpin Ryan Wedding has been arrested in Mexico and will be extradited to the U.S. after years on the run, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.

Wedding, who was on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, is accused of leading a large-scale drug trafficking operation responsible for smuggling tons of cocaine across borders. At 44 years old, he faced serious charges including murder and witness tampering.

Prior to his arrest, it was believed that Wedding was under the protection of the Sinaloa drug cartel. Officials from Canada's federal police praised the collaborative law enforcement operation that led to his capture, stating that it significantly enhances public safety.

The Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Mike Duheme, emphasized the importance of multinational cooperation in tackling organized crime, declaring that the communities are safer with Wedding's arrest.

Wedding is expected to appear in court soon. This arrest marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks in North America and beyond.

Authorities allege Wedding's operation imported about 60 metric tonnes of cocaine annually, generating over $1 billion in profits, making it the largest cocaine supplier in Canada. His criminal activities reportedly began following his release from U.S. federal prison in 2011 for cocaine distribution.

The FBI had placed a $15 million reward on Wedding's head, signaling the seriousness with which authorities are treating his crimes.

He was captured in Mexico City after surrendering at the U.S. embassy, and U.S. officials have not disclosed many details of how the arrest unfolded. Omar García Harfuch, Mexico's security chief, confirmed Wedding's arrest coincided with Patel's visit to Mexico.

In his remarks, Patel characterized Wedding as a 'modern-day Pablo Escobar,' highlighting the substantial threat he posed to public safety.

Wedding's multiple aliases include 'El Jefe' and 'Public Enemy.' While on the run, it is reported that he underwent plastic surgery to alter his appearance.