Ryan James Wedding — once a Canadian Olympic snowboarder — now stands at the center of one of the most shocking criminal cases in recent years. He’s been indicted by U.S. authorities on charges that go far beyond narcotics trafficking: witnesses say he orchestrated the murder of a federal witness in Colombia. His transformation from an elite athlete to a fugitive alleged kingpin in an international drug cartel is a dramatic and chilling tale of ambition, power, and violence.
Early Life and Olympic Career
Ryan Wedding was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. He rose to athletic prominence as a snowboarder, earning the honor of representing Canada at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. There, he competed in the parallel giant slalom event and finished 24th.
After the Olympics, Wedding’s life took a turn. He moved back to Vancouver and enrolled at Simon Fraser University, but dropped out after a couple of years. During this time, according to reports, he got involved in bodybuilding and worked as a bouncer.
First Signs of Criminal Activity
Wedding’s descent into the criminal underworld predates the current, very serious charges. In 2006, Canadian law enforcement raided a massive marijuana grow-operation known as Eighteen Carrot Farms in British Columbia. Authorities found some 6,800 cannabis plants, as well as a shotgun, ammunition, and other evidence. Wedding was linked to the property, but reportedly was not present at the time and was not charged for that particular operation.
In 2010, things escalated: Wedding was convicted in the U.S. of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, after attempting to buy the drug from a U.S. government agent. He was sentenced to four years in U.S. prison.
The Alleged Rise to Power: The Drug Trafficking Empire
According to U.S. prosecutors, after his release from prison, Wedding did not leave the drug world behind — rather, he rose to astonishing heights. He is now accused of leading a transnational criminal enterprise that trafficked tens of tons of cocaine on a regular basis.
Here is a breakdown of what authorities allege:
Route & Volume: Wedding’s organization allegedly moved cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico, and into Southern California and Canada using long-haul semi-trucks.
Scale of Operation: The U.S. indictment accuses his enterprise of smuggling around 60 tons of cocaine per year.
Violence & Murders: Wedding is also accused of ordering multiple killings, reportedly including innocent civilians.
Alliances: Prosecutors believe Wedding has ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations.
Financial Reach: As part of dismantling his alleged network, U.S. authorities say they have seized millions in physical assets and cryptocurrency.
The Witness Murder Charge
The most explosive development in recent news is the charge that Wedding allegedly orchestrated the murder of a U.S. federal witness. Here’s what is known so far:
The indictment was unsealed in California by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
The witness killed was Jonathan Acebedo-Garcia, a Canadian citizen who had cooperated with U.S. authorities.
Acebedo-Garcia was shot and killed in Medellín, Colombia, on January 31 of this year.
Prosecutors allege that Wedding placed a “bounty” on the witness, believing his murder would derail the ongoing prosecutions and help him avoid extradition to the U.S.
The indictment charges Wedding with “overseeing the operations of a criminal enterprise — including engaging in witness intimidation tactics such as murder” and enriching himself via money-laundered drug profits.
Arrests and the International Takedown
As part of the case, authorities have already made major arrests:
Ten other defendants were arrested in connection with the indictment.
Among those arrested is Deepak Balwant Paradkar, a lawyer from Thornhill, Ontario, who is accused of advising Wedding to kill the witness.
Another is Atna Onha, from Québec, accused of conspiracy to commit murder in relation to the same killing.
The U.S. government has offered a $15 million reward for information leading to Wedding’s arrest or conviction.
U.S. authorities have labeled the investigation “Operation Giant Slalom.”
The Stakes: Comparing to Notorious Narcos
Senior law-enforcement officials have drawn chilling comparisons between Wedding and some of history’s most infamous drug lords. According to The Guardian, prosecutors likened him to Pablo Escobar and El Chapo.
That’s not just hyperbole: the scale of his alleged trafficking, the use of semi-trucks to move huge loads, the suspected cartel connections, and his willingness to order killings all paint a picture of a very serious threat.
Statements from Authorities
Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, said:
“This week’s arrests underscore our resolve to root out and punish the wrongdoers … and serve as a warning for drug lord Ryan Wedding: If convicted, you will never see the outside of a prison ever again.”
Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General, issued a strong stance:
“Whether you’re a street-level drug dealer … or an international drug kingpin, we are coming for you … We will find you and you will be accountable.”
Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles office, said Wedding’s case shows how someone “mastered a deadly drug distribution enterprise … and will continue to order murders while he enjoys protection by his cartel associates.”
Chris Landberg, of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, added:
“No one, not even a former Olympian, is above the law.”
Life as a Fugitive
Wedding is not currently in U.S. custody. According to the DOJ and media reports:
He is believed to be residing in Mexico, with possible protection from the Sinaloa Cartel.
Over the years, law enforcement has considered various possible locations for him: Mexico, the U.S., Canada, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, among others.
Because of the danger he represents, the U.S. has increased its reward for his capture to $15 million, a rare figure reserved for high-priority fugitives.
Impact & Broader Implications
The allegations against Wedding are not just about one man — they have wide-ranging implications for drug trafficking, cross-border crime, and cartel influence.
Drug Flow & Public Health
If convicted, Wedding’s alleged network — supplying tens of tons of cocaine annually — is a stark reminder of how deeply embedded cartel operations are in North America.
The scale also raises questions about violence, community impact, and addiction, especially in transit zones.
Use of Violence to Silence Witnesses
The killing of Acebedo-Garcia sends a chilling signal: even cooperating witnesses may not be safe. That could deter others from turning informant, threatening the effectiveness of future prosecutions.
Authorities claim this was premeditated murder to avoid extradition — a blatant attempt to obstruct justice.
Transnational Law Enforcement
The case underscores the importance of international law-enforcement cooperation: Canada, the U.S., and Colombia are all involved.
The coordinated arrests in Operation Giant Slalom show how multi-jurisdictional operations are deploying increasingly sophisticated strategies against global trafficking networks.
Cartel Reach
Wedding’s alleged ties with the Sinaloa Cartel highlight the cartel’s ability to influence and protect high-level traffickers abroad.
If cartel protection is confirmed, it establishes a worrying precedent: former athletes can become deeply embedded in global crime syndicates.
Public Perception & Reputation
There’s a powerful narrative here: a former Olympian, once a symbol of national pride and athletic dedication, now accused of mass drug trafficking and murder.
For Canada and for sports communities worldwide, this fall from grace is particularly jarring.
Risks & Challenges for Prosecution
Even with a dramatic indictment and high-profile arrests, prosecuting Wedding will not be easy:
Extradition: If Wedding remains in Mexico, extraditing him to the U.S. could be legally and politically complicated, especially if cartel forces are shielding him.
Witness Protection: Given that a key witness was allegedly murdered, protecting future witnesses will be critical for prosecutors.
Evidence Gathering: Prosecutors will need to rely on cross-border investigations, intelligence-sharing, possibly classified information, and testimonies from dangerous individuals.
Security Risks: Prosecutors, law-enforcement agents, and cooperating witnesses could be at risk due to the cartel connections and violent nature of the organization.
Asset Recovery: Even if convicted, recovering laundered money, cryptocurrency, and other assets could be legally complex.
What’s Next
Here are some key developments to watch in the coming months:
Manhunt & Capture: Will law-enforcement manage to locate and arrest Wedding? With a $15 million reward on his head, public tips could be crucial.
Pretrial Proceedings: If captured, Wedding will face pretrial hearings, extradition (if needed), and potentially a high-profile trial.
Further Arrests: The current indictment names 11 people, but law-enforcement may continue to build the case, uncovering more operatives, financiers, and cartel ties.
Witness Safety: Authorities must establish rock-solid witness protection programs to prevent further tragedies.
International Crackdowns: Other governments may leverage this case to intensify crackdowns on cartel-linked drug trafficking through the Americas.
Reflections: From Snow Slopes to Crime’s High Stakes
Ryan Wedding’s story is a tragic and extraordinary fall. It reflects how someone with talent, drive, and international experience can cross into a darker world of crime. His alleged transformation from an Olympic athlete to a powerful drug trafficker is not just a dramatic headline — it’s a case that challenges how societies view success, failure, and the forces that draw people into the underworld.
For the public, this is more than crime news; it’s a cautionary tale. For law enforcement, it is a test of their capacity to tackle modern, transnational crime. And for the victims — and potential victims — it is a stark reminder of the costs when greed and power go unchecked.
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