Federal Authorities Announce Reward for Canadian Drug Trafficker

On Wednesday, federal officials revealed a $15 million reward along with new charges against a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, accused of orchestrating a murder to safeguard a significant cocaine operation linked to a cartel.

Ryan Wedding, identified as a drug lord, reportedly smuggles 60 tons of cocaine annually from Mexico to Los Angeles using semi-trucks, all while operating under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel, which has been designated a foreign terrorist organization. Attorney General Pam Bondi and other high-ranking Department of Justice (DOJ) officials provided these details during a press briefing. The latest indictment focuses on Wedding’s alleged role in the murder of a federal witness in Colombia back in January, along with other charges related to witness tampering and intimidation.

Wedding is thought to be hiding in Mexico and has been referred to as Canada’s “most prolific cocaine trafficker.” He seems to have targeted California for his trafficking activities due to what U.S. officials describe as “weak drug laws,” according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Esseri.

In light of the new developments, the U.S. government is not only increasing the reward for information leading to Wedding’s capture from $10 million to $15 million, but also imposing Treasury sanctions on him and his associates. An additional $2 million reward is being offered for information regarding the witness’s murder, with at least 35 others facing charges related to Wedding’s operations, as stated by officials.

Esseri mentioned that one of the detained individuals is a lawyer who allegedly counseled Wedding on the murder of the witness, suggesting those preliminary charges from 2024 might be dismissed as a result.

Officials indicated that Wedding has orchestrated multiple murders globally, targeting both rivals and potential witnesses.

Bondi emphasized the serious nature of drug-related crimes, stating, “Drugs are killing our children. Whether you’re a street dealer or an international drug lord, we’ll track you down and hold you accountable for your actions.”

According to reports, Wedding has managed to evade capture for a decade. During a press conference attended by leaders from the DOJ, FBI, Treasury, State Department, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, it was declared that Wedding’s alleged criminal activities must come to an end.

Esseri made a pointed remark directed at Wedding and his suspected accomplices, saying, “Your life is over.”