Accomplice of Disgraced Olympian-Turned-Drug Lord Nabbed at NJ Airport

Canadian Tommy Demorizi arrested by FBI and US Customs at Newark Liberty International Airport

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A key suspect tied to disgraced Olympian Ryan Wedding's alleged drug empire was arrested at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Monday. Demorizi, 35, of Montreal, was believed to have been hiding out in the Dominican Republic when a warrant was issued for his arrest late last year. Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder, is now considered one of 'the largest narco traffickers in modern times' and has been compared to infamous drug lords like El Chapo and Pablo Escobar.

Why it matters

The arrest of Demorizi, Wedding's alleged accomplice, is a significant development in the case against the former Olympian, who is accused of drug trafficking and murder. This case highlights the growing threat of former athletes turning to organized crime and the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down high-level drug kingpins who have evaded capture for years.

The details

Demorizi was cuffed by FBI and US Customs agents as soon as he touched down at Newark on Monday. His arrest comes just weeks after Wedding, a 44-year-old ex-Olympian, was caught in Mexico and hauled back to the United States to face drug-trafficking and murder charges. Wedding allegedly turned to a life of crime after representing Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics, moving as much as 60 tons of cocaine between Colombia, Mexico, Canada and the US while working under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel. He is also accused of ordering several drug-related killings, including the slaying of a US government witness.

  • On Monday, Demorizi was arrested at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
  • In late 2025, a warrant was issued for Demorizi's arrest.

The players

Tommy Demorizi

A 35-year-old Canadian man who was an alleged accomplice of former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding in his drug trafficking empire.

Ryan Wedding

A 44-year-old former Olympic snowboarder who is now considered one of 'the largest narco traffickers in modern times' and has been compared to infamous drug lords like El Chapo and Pablo Escobar.

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What they’re saying

“After Wedding's capture, FBI Director Kash Patel called him one of 'the largest narco traffickers in modern times' and compared him to 'El Chapo' and Escobar.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director (New York Post)

What’s next

Demorizi will face charges related to his alleged involvement in Wedding's drug trafficking organization. The case against Wedding, who pleaded not guilty last month, is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the alarming trend of former elite athletes turning to organized crime and the immense challenge law enforcement faces in tracking down and apprehending high-level drug kingpins who have evaded capture for years. It underscores the need for greater scrutiny and support systems for athletes transitioning out of sports to prevent them from falling into a life of crime.