Federal Officials Charge Ex-Olympic Snowboarder in International Drug Ring
Federal authorities have intensified their pursuit of former Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding, now facing severe charges in connection with an international drug trafficking operation. The announcement was made by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who highlighted that Wedding is tied to a range of serious crimes, including murder, witness tampering, money laundering, and drug trafficking.
Details of the Charges
The charges were unveiled during a press conference, with Bondi stating that the murder charge relates to Wedding’s alleged role in the killing of a federal witness in Colombia. This witness had significant ties to the government’s case against him.
- Murder: Involvement in the slaying of a federal witness.
- Witness Tampering: Attempts to obstruct the legal process.
- Money Laundering: Conducting financial transactions to conceal illegal activities.
- Drug Trafficking: Operating a network distributing cocaine across North America.
Increased Reward for Information
In light of the gravity of the situation, the State Department has increased the reward for information leading to Wedding’s capture from $10 million to $15 million. Wedding is currently on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list, and authorities have been searching for him for over a year.
Operation Overview
U.S. authorities allege that Wedding’s organization has shipped substantial quantities of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico, and into the United States and Canada. As a result of their operations, four individuals have reportedly been killed, including two Canadians mistakenly targeted after a drug shipment was stolen.
International Arrests
At least a dozen arrests have occurred in connection to this case across several countries, including:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- Colombia
Wedding is believed to be hiding in Mexico, as authorities continue their investigation into this extensive drug trafficking ring. This case emphasizes the ongoing commitment to protect federal witnesses and uphold the law, as stated by Attorney General Bondi.
