URGENT UPDATE: Mexican authorities have launched a series of dramatic raids, seizing a significant cache of drugs, Olympic medals, ammunition, and an impressive collection of motorcycles in their hunt for Ryan Wedding, a fugitive wanted by the FBI. The raids, which took place on Christmas Day, are aimed at capturing the former Olympic snowboarder, who is alleged to be the mastermind behind a large drug-trafficking ring.
The ex-Olympian, who represented Canada in the 2002 Olympic Games, is currently on the FBI’s list of most-wanted fugitives. Authorities did not explicitly name Wedding in their announcement; however, he is recognized as the only Olympic athlete on the FBI’s radar. This marks a significant escalation in efforts to apprehend Wedding, who has been linked to a billion-dollar drug empire involving extensive cocaine trafficking and violent crimes.
During the raids across four homes in Mexico City and the State of Mexico, officials confiscated an astonishing 62 motorcycles, various drugs including methamphetamine and marijuana, and a stockpile of ammunition. In addition, two Olympic medals were recovered, although it remains unclear whose medals they are since Wedding did not win any during his Olympic career. The operation is part of a broader strategy to dismantle Wedding’s alleged organization, which is accused of smuggling an estimated 60 metric tonnes of cocaine annually from Mexico to Canada via California.
“We are committed to bringing this fugitive to justice,” an official stated during the press conference following the raids.
Ryan Wedding, now 44, was added to the FBI’s most-wanted list in March 2023, highlighting the urgency of his capture. His organization is not only involved in mass drug smuggling but is also suspected of orchestrating contract killings, raising the stakes for authorities involved in the manhunt.
This situation is rapidly developing, with law enforcement agencies in both Mexico and the United States collaborating to track down Wedding. As the investigation unfolds, further details are expected to emerge regarding his network and the extent of criminal activities linked to him. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as they intensify their search.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as law enforcement continues to unveil the complexities of this high-profile case.
