Former Olympic Snowboarder Ryan Wedding Captured in Mexico, Now in U.S. Custody

Ontario, California – January 23, 2026 — Ryan James Wedding, the former Canadian Olympic snowboarder long accused of transforming into a violent transnational drug kingpin, has been apprehended after more than a decade on the run.U.S. authorities confirmed Friday that Wedding, 44, was taken into custody Thursday night in Mexico City during a joint operation involving the FBI and Mexican officials. He was swiftly transported to the United States, where he now faces federal charges including running a continuing criminal enterprise, murder in connection with drug trafficking activities, money laundering, cocaine distribution, and related offenses.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced the capture in a social media post and during a news conference at Ontario International Airport, describing Wedding as "a modern-day Pablo Escobar" and "the largest narcotrafficker in modern times." Patel highlighted the arrest as the sixth Top 10 Most Wanted fugitive captured in the past year under the current administration, and the 500th in the history of the FBI's iconic list.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi also confirmed the development on social media, stating that Wedding had been flown to the U.S. "where he will face justice." She emphasized President Trump's leadership in global law enforcement cooperation as key to the operation.

Wedding, who represented Canada in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics, was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in March 2025. Authorities offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest and prosecution. Officials had long believed he was hiding in Mexico, reportedly under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel, while overseeing a sophisticated network that allegedly moved hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico to the United States and Canada.

The operation reportedly generated over $1 billion annually in illegal proceeds, with Wedding accused of orchestrating multiple murders—including that of a federal witness—to protect the enterprise. A superseding indictment in 2024 added charges of attempted murder, witness tampering, and intimidation.

Details surrounding the exact circumstances of the arrest remain limited, with officials citing the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Some unconfirmed reports circulating online suggest Wedding may have negotiated a surrender amid fears of betrayal by cartel associates, though authorities have not elaborated.

Wedding is expected to make an initial court appearance in the coming days, likely in California federal court. The capture marks a significant blow to cross-border drug trafficking networks and underscores heightened U.S.-Mexico cooperation in targeting high-profile fugitives.

The Justice Department and FBI have not yet released information on whether any portion of the reward was claimed.

17GEN4.com