Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has been arrested in connection with a violent drug trafficking operation. This organization is said to have brought around 60 metric tons of cocaine annually into Los Angeles from Mexico. Wedding, who is 44 years old, was wanted by the FBI and was even placed on their “Ten Most Wanted” list in March.
FBI Director Kash Patel has drawn comparisons between Wedding and notorious drug lords like Pablo Escobar and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. A significant reward of $15 million was offered for information leading to his capture.
In the latest developments, Wedding faces charges that include attempted murder linked to the death of a federal witness, who was gunned down after Wedding allegedly placed a bounty on him. This witness was set to testify against Wedding. The alleged crime spree began six years after he competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics. In 2009, Wedding was convicted for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, receiving a four-year prison sentence. After his release, authorities say he expanded his criminal activities, building a drug empire.
Recent law enforcement actions in Mexico revealed a cache of Wedding’s possessions, including motorcycles worth an estimated $40 million, Olympic medals, and various other items. Reports suggest he was hiding in Mexico, possibly under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel.
In light of this situation, experts in criminology note the troubling trend of athletes turning to crime after their sports careers end. According to a 2021 report from the NCAA, nearly 60% of former athletes struggle to find stable careers after retirement, which may lead some down a dangerous path.
Ultimately, the arrest of a high-profile figure like Wedding raises questions about the intersection of sports, crime, and social issues. As this case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how it sheds light on the darker realities that some former athletes face.
For ongoing updates and more information, check out sources like NBC News and the FBI’s official website.
