FBI Seizes $40M in Motorcycles from Most-Wanted Olympic Snowboarder

In a significant operation, Mexican authorities recently seized $40 million worth of motorcycles belonging to Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder. Wedding is currently a fugitive, wanted by the FBI for his alleged involvement in large-scale drug trafficking.

Background of Ryan Wedding

Ryan Wedding represented Canada at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, finishing 24th in the men’s giant parallel slalom ski event. Despite his athletic background, he is now considered one of North America’s largest narcotics traffickers.

Details of the Seizure

The seizure involved 62 motorcycles, many identified as rare racing models, including several Ducatis. This operation was carried out across four properties in Mexico City and its neighboring regions. Additionally, luxury items such as paintings, drugs, and even two Olympic gold medals were confiscated.

Collaboration Between Agencies

• Mexican authorities conducted the raids with the assistance of the FBI.
• The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Los Angeles Police Department were also involved.

Previous Seizures

In a separate operation last month, authorities had seized a rare 2002 Mercedes CLK-GTR valued at $13 million, also linked to Wedding. These actions reflect a continued effort to dismantle his criminal network.

Criminal Allegations Against Wedding

Following his release from a U.S. federal prison in 2011 for cocaine distribution, Wedding allegedly initiated a drug trafficking organization. He has been linked to numerous violent crimes, including ordering murders in several countries.

Most Wanted Fugitive

Ryan Wedding currently sits on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, attracting a reward of $15 million for information leading to his capture. Comparisons have been made between him and notorious drug lords of Latin America, including Pablo Escobar and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

Known Aliases

• El Jefe
• Giant
• Public Enemy
• James Conrad King
• Jesse King

As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to pursuing Wedding and dismantling his alleged drug operation, underscoring the seriousness of his criminal activities.