FBI Releases New Ryan Wedding Photo Amid Ongoing Drug Lord Search
The FBI has unveiled a new photograph of Ryan Wedding, a Canadian who has become notorious as an alleged drug lord. The 44-year-old is facing serious allegations, including murder and drug trafficking, as his reported operations span across the Americas.
Ryan Wedding: Modern-Day Drug Kingpin
Wedding has been characterized by FBI Director Christopher Wray as a “modern-day iteration of Pablo Escobar.” Currently believed to be in Mexico, he is said to be under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel. According to reports, he may be altering his appearance to evade capture.
FBI Releases New Photo
A recent FBI photo showcases a shirtless Wedding lying on a bed, revealing a short beard and a lion head tattoo on his left chest. This image, purportedly taken during the summer of 2023, is part of a broader effort to locate the fugitive.
Details from Earlier Photographs
- Two additional photos from 2024 depict Wedding with a moustache and a full-sleeve tattoo.
- Another older photo features him with long, curly hair and a beard.
Background of the Allegations
Wedding, who represented Canada in snowboarding at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list earlier this year. A substantial US$15 million bounty has been placed by the U.S. State Department for information leading to his arrest.
Criminal Enterprise and Charges
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the scale of Wedding’s operations, claiming he controls a violent drug-trafficking organization that handles 60 metric tons of cocaine annually, generating up to US$1 billion in illicit revenue. They have identified him as the largest cocaine distributor in Canada.
In a remarkable escalation of violence, Wedding was implicated in the murder of a federal witness in Medellín, Colombia, who was killed on January 31, 2023. This witness was set to testify against him and his associate, Andrew Clark.
Recent Developments
In November 2023, seven Canadians connected to the murder were apprehended, including Wedding’s lawyer, Deepak Paradkar. Paradkar, whose license was recently suspended, denies any wrongdoing.
Further Legal Troubles
Besides his alleged international drug trafficking, Wedding faces unresolved drug charges in Canada dating back to 2015. He was previously convicted in the U.S. for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in 2010. Authorities suspect he resumed trafficking activities shortly after his release.
As of now, 36 individuals associated with Wedding’s drug operations have been arrested, while others remain at large. The investigative efforts continue, and anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to reach out to law enforcement.
