Fallen Snowboarder Now Top Fugitive: RCMP, FBI Hunt Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Kingpin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 19, 2025

A former Olympic snowboarder is now one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, accused of leading a vast international drug trafficking operation with deep ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. Ryan Wedding, 44, is the target of a joint operation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the FBI, dubbed “Operation Giant Slalom,” which has resulted in arrests across Canada and the United States. Authorities allege Wedding orchestrated a violent criminal enterprise responsible for moving tons of cocaine and methamphetamine, and for ordering multiple murders.

Transnational Crime and the Reach of the Sinaloa Cartel

“Operation Giant Slalom” is a stark illustration of the increasingly complex and transnational nature of organized crime. The 24-month investigation revealed a sophisticated network that utilized Canada as a key distribution hub for drugs originating in Colombia and trafficked through Mexico, under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel. “This wasn’t just about moving drugs; it was a systemic operation designed to flood communities with illegal narcotics and fueled by extreme violence,” said a senior law enforcement official involved in the investigation. “Wedding wasn’t just a distributor, he was an orchestrator, and his connections within the Sinaloa Cartel gave him both protection and operational reach.”

The alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel are particularly concerning, given the cartel’s history of brutality and its global reach. While the disruption of Wedding's network is expected to impact drug trafficking routes, the broader implications for the cartel’s operations remain to be seen. Experts suggest the cartel has adapted to law enforcement pressure by decentralizing its operations and relying on independent operators like Wedding to manage specific trafficking routes. “Taking down one network doesn't dismantle the cartel, but it certainly creates friction and forces them to re-evaluate their strategies,” explained a drug policy analyst.

From Olympic Slopes to Alleged Criminal Enterprise

The transformation of Ryan Wedding from an Olympic athlete to a suspected drug kingpin is a jarring narrative at the heart of this case. Wedding represented Canada in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics, but his life took a drastically different turn in the years that followed. A 2008 arrest for drug trafficking foreshadowed his deeper involvement in the criminal underworld. Despite a conviction and a prison sentence, he allegedly continued his criminal activities, establishing a sprawling network that spanned North America. “He clearly possessed skills in logistics and organization that he applied to his criminal enterprise,” noted a source familiar with the investigation. “He was able to build a network of trusted associates and maintain operational control despite the risks.”

Law enforcement officials allege Wedding has continued operating even while on the run, issuing orders and coordinating operations from a secure location in Mexico. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities view his alleged role in this criminal enterprise. The fact that Wedding was able to evade capture for so long speaks to the challenges of combating transnational crime and the resources available to sophisticated criminal organizations. “These aren’t amateur operators,” said a law enforcement official. “They have access to technology, financial resources, and legal expertise that make them incredibly difficult to track and apprehend.”

The Human Cost and Impact on Communities

Beyond the financial and logistical complexities of this case, lies a devastating human cost. The violence associated with Wedding’s network has left a trail of victims and shattered communities. Authorities allege Wedding ordered the murders of multiple individuals, including a federal witness in Colombia and a Canadian couple targeted in a case of mistaken identity. The details surrounding these killings are disturbing, revealing a ruthless disregard for human life. “This wasn’t just about money; it was about power and control,” said a source close to the investigation. “Wedding was willing to do anything to protect his operation and eliminate anyone who posed a threat.”

The impact extends beyond the immediate victims and their families. The influx of illegal drugs fueled by Wedding’s network has contributed to addiction, overdose deaths, and increased crime rates in communities across North America. The social and economic consequences are far-reaching, placing a strain on healthcare systems, law enforcement resources, and social services. While authorities have made significant progress in dismantling Wedding’s network, the fight against transnational crime remains a daunting challenge. The need for international cooperation, intelligence sharing, and a comprehensive approach to drug policy is more critical than ever.