Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has been indicted by U.S. prosecutors on charges alleging he led a transnational cocaine-trafficking network, money laundering and the murder of a federal witness. Authorities claim the operation moved roughly 60 metric tons of cocaine annually from Mexico to North America. Ten associates were arrested Nov. 18 as part of "Operation Giant Slalom," and a $15 million reward is being offered for information leading to Wedding’s capture; he remains a fugitive, believed to be in Mexico.
From Olympic Snowboarder to Fugitive: Who Is Ryan Wedding and Why He’s Accused of Leading a Transnational Drug Network
Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has been indicted by U.S. prosecutors on charges alleging he led a transnational cocaine-trafficking network, money laundering and the murder of a federal witness. Authorities claim the operation moved roughly 60 metric tons of cocaine annually from Mexico to North America. Ten associates were arrested Nov. 18 as part of "Operation Giant Slalom," and a $15 million reward is being offered for information leading to Wedding’s capture; he remains a fugitive, believed to be in Mexico.
10:11 AM, 11/21/2025Security
Ryan Wedding, once an Olympic snowboarder for Canada, is now the subject of a major international criminal investigation. On Nov. 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced indictments charging Wedding with overseeing a criminal enterprise, including allegations of large-scale drug trafficking, money laundering and ordering the murder of a federal witness.
Allegations and federal charges
Federal prosecutors allege Wedding led a transnational cocaine-trafficking organization that moved vast quantities of cocaine from Mexico into North America. Authorities say the operation is violent and extensive; Attorney General Pam Bondi has described Wedding’s organization as one of the largest distributors of cocaine into Canada, alleging the network imported roughly 60 metric tons annually.
"Ryan Wedding is a modern day iteration of Pablo Escobar. He's a modern day iteration of 'El Chapo' Guzman," said FBI Director Kash Patel at the Nov. 19 news conference.
Reported charges include conspiracy to distribute and export cocaine, money laundering and murder. Prosecutors say the alleged murder — the fatal shooting of a witness at a restaurant in Medellín, Colombia, in January 2025 — followed an earlier indictment in 2024 and was linked to attempts to silence testimony.
Background and earlier conviction
Wedding represented Canada in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, finishing 24th in the men's parallel giant slalom. He grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, began snowboarding at 12 and joined the national team as a teenager. After the Olympics he briefly attended Simon Fraser University before leaving school, later working as a bouncer.
Authorities note a prior drug conviction: in 2008 Wedding was said to have attempted to buy cocaine from a U.S. government agent during a sting; he was convicted in 2010 and served a prison term. His family has defended him with appeals to his upbringing and the choices that followed.
Investigation, arrests and manhunt
The case, described by investigators as a broad international probe called "Operation Giant Slalom," has produced multiple arrests. On Nov. 18 authorities arrested 10 people alleged to be linked to the organization as part of the investigation’s second phase. Wedding himself remains a fugitive and was added to the FBI's Most Wanted list in March 2025.
Federal officials are offering a reward of $15 million for information leading to Wedding’s apprehension. Investigators say he is believed to be hiding in Mexico and may be protected by elements of the Sinaloa cartel; they also allege he uses several aliases including "El Jefe," "Public Enemy" and "Giant."
What officials say next
Justice Department and law enforcement officials emphasize the cross-border nature of the probe and say they will continue coordinating with international partners to locate and arrest Wedding and dismantle the alleged network. As always in such cases, the allegations remain that — accused but not yet convicted — Wedding is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.