Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has gone down a very disturbing path. He transited into a ruthless transnational narcotics trafficker, inviting concentration akin to that of Pablo Escobar and other drug lords. The Wedding, or “El Jefe,” “Giant” and “Public Enemy,” as he was often referenced, was a proud member of Team Canada at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games. He went on to place 24th in the parallel giant slalom event. His transition from athlete to alleged kingpin is remarkable. He now finds himself at the helm of one of the world’s most violent drug-trafficking organizations.
By 2010, Wedding was starting to run into legal troubles. He was found guilty of trafficking narcotics across state lines and sentenced to four years imprisonment. Later, his efforts to buy cocaine from a U.S. federal agent deepened his criminal connections. Since his release, Wedding’s organization is said to make more than $1 billion a year from its illegal operations. Just last month, he was charged with conspiracy to commit murder. This charge comes from the murder of Jonathan Acebedo-Garcia, a witness to this gruesome murder whose death raised extremely troubling concerns about just how far Wedding will go to protect his operations.
The U.S. Treasury Department has shut down Wedding’s expanding criminal enterprise. Alongside the name change, the feds announced new sanctions against him and nine others associated with his operation. We applaud the U.S. State Department for this courageous move. They’ve increased the reward for info leading to Wedding’s capture and conviction from $10 million to $15 million.
Kash Patel, a former U.S. official, stated, “Make no mistake about it: Ryan Wedding is a modern-day iteration of Pablo Escobar,” emphasizing the threat posed by Wedding and his organization. Patel compared Wedding to El Chapo Guzmán, the former leader of the world’s largest drug cartel. He stressed the evil power that Wedding continues to exercise in the drugs of drugs.
The consequences of Wedding’s actions go far beyond the direct harm caused by his crimes. Pam Bondi, a prominent figure in combating narcotics trafficking, warned, “We are coming for you. We will find you. And you will be accountable and held to justice for your crimes.” She characterized Wedding’s organization as “one of the most prolific and violent drug-trafficking organizations” currently operating.
As federal, state, and local authorities sharpen their focus on breaking up Wedding’s network, the noose tightens around him and his colleagues. This law enforcement has moved swiftly to counter disgusting acts. They are raising bounties and enduring public condemnation in their efforts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.