How did a Canadian snowboarder end up allegedly running an international drug ring?
Oct 31, 2024
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Join Calvi Leon, a crime reporter from The Toronto Star, as he unravels the shocking transformation of Ryan James Wedding—from Olympic snowboard hopeful to alleged drug kingpin. Discover how Wedding fell deep into drug trafficking and violence, entwined with a major Mexican cartel. The chilling details of a double homicide linked to his activities spotlight the tragic consequences of his choices. With ongoing investigations and a $50,000 reward for his capture, this gripping narrative raises questions about crime, fame, and redemption.
Ryan James Wedding's fall from Olympic athlete to alleged drug kingpin illustrates the drastic life changes stemming from unmet potential and poor choices.
The investigation into Wedding reveals a complex network of crime linked to multiple murders, highlighting the broader societal impact of drug trafficking.
Deep dives
The Transformation of Ryan James Wedding
Ryan James Wedding was once a promising young Canadian snowboarder, representing his country in the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. After finishing 24th, his athletic career fizzled, and he fell into a life of crime, allegedly becoming an international drug kingpin. U.S. authorities accuse him of running a significant drug trafficking operation since 2011, allegedly smuggling cocaine from Colombia through Mexico into Canada. His transformation from athlete to criminal was marked by previous offenses, including a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, which foreshadowed his eventual involvement in larger drug-related crimes.
Connection to Homicides and Crime Operations
Wedding's criminal activities are linked to multiple homicides, including a notorious double murder that occurred due to mistaken identity. This incident involved a family who had just moved to Canada and were gunned down in their home, with authorities later confirming they were unrelated to the drug operations. Further investigations connected Wedding and his alleged network to several murders, including one in Niagara, where communications indicated a hit list was involved in directing homicides. These connections demonstrate the severe impact of drug trafficking on community safety and the extensive crime network surrounding Wedding.
Ongoing Investigations and Current Status
Investigations into Wedding and his associates involve both U.S. and Canadian authorities, with significant developments unfolding over the past few weeks. Although many individuals connected to the drug operation have been arrested, Wedding remains at large, believed to be hiding in Mexico protected by a notorious drug cartel. A $50,000 reward has been issued for information leading to his capture, highlighting the urgency of his apprehension. As the judicial proceedings evolve, extradition hearings are anticipated, but the complexities of such cases could prolong the legal processes significantly.
In 2002, Ryan James Wedding was a member of Team Canada at the Salt Lake City Olympics. Today, if you know where he is, the police will pay you $50,000. In the 22 years in between, he's alleged to have been a part of everything from trafficking and distribution thousands of kilos of cocaine to a series of contract killings in Ontario. How did an Olympic athlete come to this? It's a story police and reporters and still trying to untangle...