Former Canadian Olympian Ryan James Wedding is at the center of an international manhunt after authorities accused him of leading a sprawling narcotics enterprise responsible for moving multi-ton quantities of cocaine into the United States. The case, which has prompted a multi-agency response and a multi-million-dollar reward offer, has escalated with fresh allegations tying the onetime snowboarder to a witness’s killing ahead of federal testimony.
Wedding, who competed for Canada as a snowboarder at the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics, is now a fugitive and, according to authorities, a high-priority target. Law enforcement officials say he has been added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list as investigators in the U.S. and abroad intensify efforts to locate him.
What Authorities Allege About Ryan Wedding’s Operation
According to ABC Action News and details outlined by federal officials, investigators allege Wedding helmed a criminal organization that smuggled roughly six metric tons of cocaine into Los Angeles. The drugs were allegedly transported by semitrucks from Mexico and funneled through a distribution network that laundered proceeds on behalf of the enterprise.
At a November 19 news conference, authorities characterized Wedding as a cartel-level operator. One FBI official described him as a modern-day analog to infamous drug lords, calling out his alleged capacity for large-scale trafficking and intimidation. Prosecutors say Wedding personally benefited from the organization’s illicit proceeds while directing operations designed to shield the enterprise from law enforcement scrutiny.
Officials allege the group relied on threats and violence to maintain control. In announcing the charges, law enforcement emphasized that the case reaches beyond narcotics trafficking to include accusations of orchestrated intimidation tactics aimed at witnesses and rivals. Those accusations, authorities say, underscore the breadth and severity of the alleged criminal conduct.
Murder Allegation Involving a Federal Witness
Prosecutors further contend that Wedding ordered the killing of a witness who was set to testify against him in a federal drug case. In their account, authorities allege Wedding used a Canadian website to help locate the witness by posting images of the individual and his spouse. The witness was then tracked down and fatally shot at a restaurant before the scheduled court appearance.
In a statement issued November 19, a federal prosecutor condemned the killing as a cold-blooded act that demanded a forceful response. “This week’s arrests underscore our resolve to root out and punish the wrongdoers involved in this criminal organization,” the statement read, adding a pointed warning aimed at Wedding: “If convicted, you will never see the outside of a prison ever again.”
Law enforcement officials in Los Angeles echoed that sentiment, outlining the government’s belief that Wedding did not hesitate to deploy violence. “He has orchestrated murders against his rivals, against cooperating witnesses, against anybody that crosses his path,” said Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.
Operation Giant Slalom: 10 Arrests, $15 Million Reward
Even as Wedding remains at large, authorities say the case has already produced significant arrests. On November 18, 2025, ten people were taken into custody as part of an operation federal officials dubbed “Operation Giant Slalom,” a nod to Wedding’s snowboarding background. Those arrests, prosecutors say, targeted members and associates of the alleged trafficking network linked to Wedding.
To accelerate the search for the fugitive, authorities have announced a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Wedding’s arrest. The unusually large figure underscores the scale of the case and the priority placed on preventing further acts of violence.
Officials have urged anyone with credible information to contact the FBI. Given the international scope of the investigation, agencies are coordinating efforts across borders, emphasizing that the case stretches from the U.S. to Canada and beyond.
From Olympic Athletes’ Village To FBI’s Ten Most Wanted
Before his name became synonymous with high-stakes law enforcement briefings, Wedding’s was a sports story. He represented Canada as a snowboarder at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, part of a national team that helped popularize freestyle and alpine snowboarding on a global stage. Authorities now say the former Olympian leveraged international connections and logistical know-how to build an illicit operation—allegations he will have the opportunity to contest in court if apprehended.
For investigators, Wedding’s background is a potent reminder that high-profile sports credentials can quickly be overshadowed by alleged criminal conduct. The charges carry substantial penalties if proven, encompassing narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and murder. As of this writing, Wedding remains a fugitive, and the allegations against him have not been adjudicated in court.
The rapid escalation of the case—from trafficking accusations to a witness’s killing—has placed heightened focus on trial security and protections for cooperating witnesses. In their public statements, officials have emphasized that any attempt to intimidate or harm witnesses will be met with firm, coordinated action.
With ten arrests already logged under Operation Giant Slalom and a record reward now on the table, the manhunt continues. Authorities are asking the public to remain vigilant and contact law enforcement with tips. Until then, the case of Ryan James Wedding stands at the intersection of international crime and a once-promising athletic career—an extraordinary fall from the world’s biggest sports stage to the FBI’s most wanted list.
