Ryan Wedding’s journey from Olympic glory to criminal notoriety is a shocking tale that has captivated the world. The former Canadian snowboarder, who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics, is now at the center of a sprawling drug-trafficking empire that spans continents. Accused of orchestrating a transnational criminal organization that traffics cocaine, launders money, and engages in witness intimidation and murder, Wedding’s fall from grace is nothing short of spectacular.
Unsealed in November 2025, the indictment against Wedding paints a grim picture of his alleged criminal activities. From overseeing the shipment of tons of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico into California and Canada to ordering the killing of a key witness, Wedding’s reign of terror is far-reaching.
From Olympic Glory to Criminal Kingpin
Once a celebrated athlete who represented Canada in the Winter Olympics, Wedding’s descent into criminality is a tragic turn of events. After his Olympic glory days, he allegedly delved into the underworld, building a criminal empire that spanned continents.
According to officials, Wedding’s drug ring operated a sophisticated operation that trafficked cocaine and laundered money on a massive scale. His inclusion on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted fugitives list and the subsequent increase in the reward for his capture to up to $15 million underscore the seriousness of the allegations against him.
The Shocking Accusations
The allegations against Wedding are nothing short of chilling. He stands accused of orchestrating a criminal enterprise that trafficked controlled substances, laundered money, and ordered the murder of a key witness who was set to testify against him.
The victim, a federal witness, was reportedly targeted in a brazen act of violence in Medellín, Colombia, where he was shot five times in the head. Prosecutors allege that Wedding placed a bounty on the victim’s head in a bid to obstruct justice and avoid extradition.
Speaking at a press event, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli condemned Wedding’s actions, stating that the victim’s death was intended to derail the criminal case against him. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the killing as a cruel and cold-blooded act that demanded justice.
Operation Giant Slalom: The Manhunt Begins
Dubbed Operation Giant Slalom by the U.S. government, the crackdown on Wedding’s criminal network has led to the arrest of 10 defendants connected to the alleged drug-trafficking empire.
Among those arrested:
Deepak Balwant Paradkar, a Canadian lawyer, allegedly advised Wedding and was implicated in the witness’s murder. Gursewak Singh Bal reportedly ran a site that posted the victim’s photo, while Edwin Basora-Hernandez provided crucial contact information to locate the target. The arrests of several others in Canada, Colombia, and the U.S. highlight the vast reach of Wedding’s criminal network.
Into the Shadows: The Hunt for Ryan Wedding
U.S. authorities believe that Wedding is currently hiding in Mexico, allegedly under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel. The extensive network he reportedly oversees transports large quantities of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico into Canada and the U.S.
A joint effort involving the FBI, Department of State, Treasury, Canadian law enforcement, and Interpol is underway to capture Wedding and bring him to justice. The message is clear: no one, not even a former Olympian, is above the law.
A Tale of Tragedy and Irony
The case of Ryan Wedding is a sobering reminder of the dark paths that some individuals may take. From Olympic glory to criminal infamy, Wedding’s transformation is a cautionary tale of the consequences of greed, power, and the allure of the criminal underworld.
The recent allegations against former Olympic skier Ryan Wedding have sent shockwaves through the sports world. His transformation from a celebrated athlete to a suspected drug trafficker has left many stunned and appalled. The contrast between Wedding’s past glory and his current criminal activities only serves to highlight the dangerous and audacious nature of these allegations.
Wedding’s Olympic background adds an extra layer of symbolism to the case. The same qualities of discipline, drive, and ambition that once propelled him to success on the slopes are now being used to fuel a violent underworld empire. Law enforcement officials have labeled him as one of the most prolific and violent traffickers currently operating, painting a chilling picture of the depths to which he has fallen.
But this case is about more than just drugs. It’s about power and reinvention, albeit in a negative light. The idea that someone who once represented their country on the world stage could now be at the helm of one of its deadliest criminal organizations is a sobering reminder of how far someone can fall from grace.
As Ryan Wedding remains at large, the hunt for him and his accomplices intensifies. Speculation suggests that he may be hiding out in Mexico, potentially under the protection of cartel connections. The Department of Justice has identified four other defendants who are also on the run, prompting ICE and the FBI to redouble their efforts in tracking them down.
The $15 million reward for information leading to Wedding’s capture underscores the seriousness with which officials are treating this case. It’s not just about apprehending a group of criminals—it’s about dismantling a network with far-reaching and dangerous implications. The manhunt continues with renewed urgency, as authorities work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
In the end, the story of Ryan Wedding serves as a cautionary tale of the dark side of ambition and the devastating consequences of choosing the wrong path. It’s a stark reminder that even those who reach the heights of success can still succumb to the lure of power and criminality. The case of Ryan Wedding is a sobering reminder of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface of even the most seemingly successful individuals.
