The FBI has unveiled a new image of Ryan Wedding in their ongoing investigation for the former Olympic snowboarder.
Ryan Wedding, who once competed for Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City, Utah, finished in 24th position in the parallel giant slalom event.
Two decades have passed since his Olympic days, and Wedding’s life has taken a dramatic turn, as he now finds himself listed among the FBI’s most wanted individuals.
Authorities are seeking Wedding in connection to an alleged drug trafficking operation, describing him as akin to ‘Pablo Escobar of the modern era’.
During a press briefing last month, FBI Director Kash Patel stated: “Make no mistake about it: Ryan Wedding is a modern-day iteration of Pablo Escobar. He’s a modern-day iteration of ‘El Chapo’ Guzman.”
Patel further remarked: “This Justice Department and the FBI will work with our Canadian counterparts and the government officials across the world to bring him to justice.”
Patel added: “He is responsible for engineering a narco-trafficking and narco-terrorism program that we have not seen in a long time.”
The FBI is offering a $15 million reward for information leading to Wedding’s capture.
Wedding, who is 44 years old, is reportedly in hiding somewhere in Mexico. Authorities have circulated a recent photograph of him, believed to have been taken in Mexico over the summer.
The image depicts Wedding lounging in bed, appearing to take a selfie. A prominent lion tattoo can be seen on his left chest.
An FBI bulletin describes Wedding as weighing 240 pounds, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall, with brown hair and blue eyes.
The bulletin elaborates on the allegations: “Ryan James Wedding is wanted for allegedly running and participating in a transnational drug trafficking operation that routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico and Southern California, to Canada, and other locations in the United States.
“Additionally, it is alleged that Wedding was involved in orchestrating multiple murders in furtherance of these drug crimes.”
One of the murders he is alleged to have organized was that of a government witness residing in Colombia. This person was fatally shot in a Medellin restaurant in January.
Individuals who suspect they have information on Wedding’s location are encouraged to contact the FBI using WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram (platforms not operated or controlled by the government) at (424) 495-0614.
Alternatively, individuals can reach out to their local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.