Ryan James Wedding, once a promising Olympic snowboarder for Canada, is now one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted fugitives — and the manhunt for him has sparked headlines across the United States. His story is chilling: from carving snow at the 2002 Winter Olympics to allegedly running a brutal transnational cocaine trafficking network responsible for multiple murders.
A Snowboarding Star Gone Dark
Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Ryan Wedding competed for Team Canada in the men’s parallel giant slalom at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Despite not medaling, he showed real promise on the slopes.
But after his Olympic run, Wedding’s life took a sharp turn — not toward coaching or business, but into the underworld of international drug trafficking.
The Charges: Drugs, Murder & a $10 Million Reward
In a major announcement on March 6, 2025, the FBI added Wedding to its Ten Most Wanted list. He is wanted for a staggering list of crimes: conspiracy to distribute and export cocaine, operating a continuing criminal enterprise, and murder and attempted murder connected to his drug network. According to the FBI, his operation shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and Southern California, eventually reaching Canada and other U.S. locations.
Authorities say Wedding used extreme violence to maintain control of his empire. According to a superseding indictment, he allegedly ordered the murders of multiple people in Ontario, Canada, including a family targeted in November 2023 after a disputed drug shipment. If convicted, the charges carry mandatory minimums of decades in prison, and for some counts, life.
To incentivize information, the U.S. Department of State is offering a $10 million reward for his capture or information leading to his arrest.
Aliases and Whereabouts
Ryan Wedding isn’t only known by his real name. Over the years, he has used multiple aliases, including “El Jefe,” “Giant,” “Public Enemy,” “James Conrad King,” and “Jesse King.” The FBI also warns that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Investigators believe he may be hiding in Mexico, possibly under the protection of powerful cartel networks. But they haven’t ruled out sightings elsewhere — the U.S., Canada, Colombia, and even Central American countries remain in play.
A Violent Criminal Enterprise
According to the Department of Justice, Wedding’s criminal organization was highly structured and ruthless. He allegedly relied on long-haul semi-trucks to transport massive cocaine shipments from Colombia, through Mexico, into Southern California, and onward to Canada. The volumes are shocking: officials allege tens of tons of cocaine a year were moved.
Violence was central to Wedding’s operation. In addition to the murders in Ontario, the indictment claims his network ordered killings over drug debt disputes. The DEA described him as “unremitting, callous and greed-driven.”
What Led to This Fall?
The contrast between Wedding’s early life and his current status is stark. Once celebrated for his athletic talent, he allegedly chose a darker path after retiring from competitive snowboarding. Some reports suggest that his criminal activities date back years, and that he may have leveraged connections in North America’s organized crime networks to rise through the ranks.
His former second-in-command, Andrew Clark, was arrested in Mexico and extradited to the U.S. in 2024, showing that law enforcement is making headway — but Wedding remains on the run.
The Public Outcry and Media Frenzy
The wedding’s fall from grace has sparked widespread shock and media coverage. Major outlets, including The Guardian, Sky News, CBS, and KPBS, have covered the story. For many, it’s a jaw-dropping narrative: an Olympian turned alleged cartel kingpin.
The FBI and allied agencies are urging the public to come forward with any information, especially given the significant reward.
Why “Ryan Wedding” Is Trending
- High-profile name: The juxtaposition of “Olympian” and “drug lord” is deeply compelling — people are naturally drawn to shocking transformations.
- Massive reward: A $10 million bounty grabs headlines and fuels speculation.
- Violent allegations: Murders tied to his network make him especially menacing and newsworthy.
- International scope: His alleged operation spans multiple countries, giving the story global resonance.
Final Thoughts
Ryan Wedding’s story isn’t just about crime — it’s about how someone with immense promise could allegedly descend into darkness. It’s a tale of ambition gone awry, of power built on violence, and of a man now hunted by the world’s most powerful law enforcement agencies.
If you’re seeing “Ryan Wedding” trending, now you know why: his alleged crimes are massive in scale, deeply violent, and carry global implications. As authorities continue to search, the world watches — and wonders what could have turned an Olympic athlete into one of America’s most dangerous fugitives.