Ryan Wedding, the former Canadian Olympic snowboarder who became one of the world’s most wanted fugitives, is now in custody.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest Friday morning in California, calling the capture a historic victory for law enforcement. Authorities say Wedding, 44, had transformed from a winter athlete into a drug lord on the level of Pablo Escobar.
“He is a modern day El Chapo,” Patel told reporters. “He is a modern day Pablo Escobar, and he thought he could evade justice.”
A Massive Manhunt Ends
Wedding was arrested in Mexico, thanks to a joint operation between US authorities and Mexican law enforcement. His capture marks a major milestone: he is the 500th person to be caught from the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list since it began 75 years ago.
For over a year, agents tracked Wedding’s organization. Officials say the group moved massive amounts of cocaine—roughly 60 metric tons—through Southern California and into Canada.
The operation to bring him down was huge. FBI Assistant Director of Los Angeles, Akil Davis, revealed that 36 people have been arrested in connection with the ring. Agents have also seized millions of dollars in luxury assets, including high-end cars, motorcycles, and cash.
“That Ends Today”
Director Patel credited the arrest to strong partnerships with the Mexican government and the leadership of President Trump. He noted that this was the sixth capture of a “Top Ten” fugitive in a single year, which he called a record.
“This individual and his organization in the Sinaloa cartel poured narcotics into the streets of North America and killed too many of our youth,” Patel said. “And that ends today.”
Patel also dropped a surprise announcement: while in Mexico to coordinate Wedding’s arrest, the team apprehended another Top 10 fugitive. Patel said they would be flying that suspect to the East Coast immediately, though he did not yet release a name.
What Happens Next
Ryan Wedding will remain in custody. He is expected to make his first court appearance on Monday morning.
While the arrest is a win for the FBI, the investigation isn’t over. The State Department is still offering a $2 million reward for information leading to other members of the drug ring who are still on the run.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic athlete who became one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, is finally in custody.
Two people close to the investigation confirmed to the Associated Press that Wedding was arrested in Mexico. He is accused of running a massive drug trafficking ring and ordering murders, including the killing of a witness involved in a federal case.
Wedding, 44, once competed for Canada as a snowboarder in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. But authorities say his life took a dark turn after his sports career ended.
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For months, the FBI has been hunting for him. He was placed on the agency’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list, a spot reserved for the most dangerous criminals. The search for him was so intense that officials offered a $15 million reward for any information that could lead to his capture and conviction.
The sources who confirmed the arrest spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to discuss the details yet. However, the news is expected to become official very soon.
FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to hold a news conference in California later on Friday morning to announce the capture, the AP reported.
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Investigators seem to have been on his trail for a while. Just last month, the FBI released a new photo of Wedding. At the time, they said they believed the picture was taken during the summer in Mexico. It appears they were looking in the right place.
Wedding now faces serious charges related to running a multinational drug operation and orchestrating violence to protect his business.
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