Introduction to the Case

A former Olympic snowboarder for Canada who is wanted by authorities for running a multi-national drug trafficking network is facing additional charges in connection with the killing of a federal witness, Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Wednesday.

Background of the Defendant

Ten other defendants have been arrested on charges in the federal indictment unsealed in California that accuses Ryan Wedding of orchestrating the January killing of the witness in Colombia to help Wedding avoid extradition to the U.S.

Current Status of the Defendant

Authorities are now offering up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of Wedding, who’s on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list. He’s believed to be living in Mexico under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel, whom authorities say he’s working with closely to funnel massive quantities of drugs into Canada and the U.S.

Statement from the Attorney General

“Whether you are a street-level drug dealer … or an international drug kingpin, we are coming for you,” Bondi told reporters. “We will find you and you will be accountable and held to justice for your crimes.”

The Drug Trafficking Charges

Wedding — whose aliases include “El Jefe,” “Public Enemy,” and “James Conrad King" — was charged in 2024 with running a drug ring that moves some 60 tons of cocaine a year using long-haul semi trucks to bring the drugs between Colombia, Mexico, Southern California and Canada.

The Involvement of the Witness

Authorities say Wedding and his co-conspirators used a Canadian website called “the Dirty News” to post a photograph of the witness so he could be identified and killed. The witness was then followed to a restaurant in Medellín in January and shot in the head.

Motive Behind the Killing

“Wedding placed the bounty on the victim’s head, and the erroneous belief that the victim’s death would result in the dismissal of criminal charges against him and his international drug trafficking ring, and would further ensure that he was not extradited to the United States. He was wrong." said Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor for the Central District of California.

Rewards for Information

The U.S. government is also offering rewards of up to $2 million for others involved in the killing of the witness.

Conclusion

The case of Ryan Wedding highlights the dangerous and complex world of international drug trafficking. With the defendant still at large and believed to be under the protection of a major cartel, the situation poses significant challenges for law enforcement. The substantial rewards offered for information leading to Wedding’s arrest and for those involved in the killing of the witness underscore the gravity of the situation and the commitment of authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

FAQs

• Q: What are the charges against Ryan Wedding?
  A: Ryan Wedding is charged with running a multi-national drug trafficking network and is facing additional charges in connection with the killing of a federal witness.
• Q: How much is the reward for information leading to Ryan Wedding’s arrest?
  A: The reward for information leading to Ryan Wedding’s arrest is up to $15 million.
• Q: What is the believed current location of Ryan Wedding?
  A: Ryan Wedding is believed to be living in Mexico under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel.
• Q: What is the role of the Sinaloa cartel in Ryan Wedding’s drug trafficking activities?
  A: The Sinaloa cartel is working closely with Ryan Wedding to funnel massive quantities of drugs into Canada and the U.S.
• Q: What is the reward for information about others involved in the killing of the witness?
  A: The U.S. government is offering rewards of up to $2 million for others involved in the killing of the witness.