- Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding was arrested in Mexico after a lengthy manhunt, authorities said, with details forthcoming at a California briefing.
- Federal prosecutors accuse Wedding of leading a transnational cocaine pipeline moving large shipments from Colombia through Mexico into Southern California and Canada.
- He was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list in March 2025 and the reward for information was raised to $15 million.
- Indictments allege he ordered multiple murders and a January 2025 killing in Medellín to silence a potential witness for the cartel-linked network.
MEXICO — Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder for Canada who federal authorities have accused of leading a multinational cocaine trafficking operation, has been arrested in Mexico, according to multiple reports citing law enforcement officials. A formal announcement and additional details were expected to be provided at a news conference in California later Friday.
Arrest confirmed, details pending
Wedding, 44, had been among the FBI’s top fugitives since early 2025. Officials have not released full information about the circumstances of his arrest, but reports said he was apprehended in Mexico after a lengthy manhunt. The FBI indicated a “significant development” would be addressed publicly during the scheduled briefing with U.S. and Canadian law enforcement leaders.
Accused of running a cross-border cocaine pipeline
Prosecutors allege Wedding ran a transnational drug enterprise that moved large shipments of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and into Southern California, with additional trafficking routes into Canada. Court filings and federal statements have described the network as using long-haul trucks and stash locations to transport and store narcotics before distribution.
Murder allegations tied to the drug enterprise
Wedding is also charged in connection with multiple killings that authorities say were linked to the alleged trafficking operation. Federal filings have accused him and associates of ordering murders and attempted murders to protect the organization, including retaliatory violence connected to stolen drug shipments and alleged killings tied to drug debts.
In separate federal allegations, Wedding was accused of ordering the killing of a potential witness in Medellín, Colombia, in January 2025. Authorities have said the goal was to prevent the witness from testifying, and federal statements describe efforts by co-conspirators to identify the witness for attackers.
Reward raised during the manhunt
Wedding was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list in March 2025. In November 2025, officials announced the reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction was increased to $15 million as investigators continued searching for him and pursuing related indictments.
Authorities have also described Wedding as working with cartel-linked partners while in Mexico, though the investigation continues to develop now that he is in custody.
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