Urgent Raids in Mexico Target Fugitive Olympian Ryan Wedding

URGENT UPDATE: Mexican authorities have launched a series of dramatic raids targeting Ryan Wedding, a former Olympian and one of the FBI’s most-wanted fugitives. Officials confirmed the seizures of drugs, Olympic medals, ammunition, and a staggering 62 high-end motorcycles in operations that took place on December 25, 2023.

The raids, conducted across four locations in Mexico City and the State of Mexico, are part of an ongoing effort to apprehend the 44-year-old Canadian snowboarder, who represented Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Wedding is wanted for allegedly leading a billion-dollar drug-trafficking organization involved in the smuggling of 60 metric tonnes of cocaine annually from Mexico to Canada via California.

Authorities did not explicitly name Wedding during their announcement but indicated the target was a former Olympic athlete listed among the top ten fugitives sought by U.S. law enforcement. This significant crackdown comes just months after Wedding was added to the FBI’s most-wanted list in March, following allegations of his leadership in a crime ring linked to mass drug trafficking and contract killings.

During the raids, officials seized two Olympic medals, although it is unclear whose medals they are, as Wedding did not win any during his Olympic appearances. Along with the medals, law enforcement recovered methamphetamine, marijuana, ammunition, artwork, and various documents believed to be linked to Wedding’s alleged operations.

The implications of these raids are profound, as they highlight the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region and the lengths to which authorities will go to apprehend fugitives. The presence of Olympic medals amid the haul raises questions about the personal and professional lives of athletes involved in criminal enterprises.

As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the situation. The international community remains on high alert, observing how this high-profile case unfolds, particularly given Wedding’s notoriety as a fugitive.

Stay tuned for more developments as this story progresses.