Former Olympian accused of drug trafficking and murder, added to FBI Top 10 Most Wanted list

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – FBI Richmond is joining a national search for a former Winter Olympian who has made the Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitive list, for alleged involvement in drug trafficking and murder.

On Sept. 17, 2024, the FBI issued a federal arrest warrant for Ryan James Wedding, a retired Olympian from Canada who is believed to be residing in Mexico. Wedding is wanted for allegedly running and participating in a transnational drug trafficking operation.

On Sept. 17, 2024, the FBI issued a federal arrest warrant for Ryan James Wedding, a retired Olympian from Canada who is believed to be residing in Mexico. (Courtesy of the FBI)

According to FBI Richmond’s Facebook post, the drug trafficking operation routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico to Southern California and Canada. It is also alleged that Wedding was involved in orchestrating multiple murders that facilitated the drug crimes.

In the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, Wedding has been charged with:

• Conspiracy to export cocaine
• Continuing criminal enterprise
• Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances
• Murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime
• Attempt to commit murder in a connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime

According to FBI Richmond, the U.S. Department of State’s Narcotics Rewards Program is offering up to $10 million for information that will lead to an arrest or conviction of Wedding.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram at 424-495-0614.