Former Olympian Accused of Leading Massive Drug Trafficking Ring

Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, pleads not guilty to 17 felony charges including drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small plastic bag containing white powder, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the drug trafficking charges in this case.This case highlights the growing threat of large-scale drug trafficking and organized crime, even involving former high-profile athletes.Union Today

Ryan Wedding, a 44-year-old former Olympic snowboarder from Canada, has been charged with leading a criminal organization that trafficked cocaine from South America to the US and Canada. He is also accused of orchestrating the murders of several individuals, including two family members in Ontario in 2023, one victim in Canada in 2024 due to a drug debt, and an associate and FBI witness in Colombia in January 2025. Wedding pleaded not guilty to the 17 felony charges against him.

Why it matters

The case has drawn comparisons to notorious drug lords like El Chapo and Pablo Escobar, with the FBI describing Wedding as the "largest narco-trafficker in modern times." However, security experts have questioned the scale of Wedding's operation, noting there is no indication he controlled territory or was a political figure.

The details

Despite the FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest, Wedding was taken into custody last week after reportedly surrendering at the US embassy in Mexico. His attorney, Anthony Colombo, denied that his client had surrendered and claimed he was apprehended. Colombo emphasized that the indictments are merely accusations and that Wedding is mentally strong and in good spirits. The next court date is set for February 11, with a trial scheduled to begin on March 24.

  • In 2023, Wedding is accused of orchestrating the murders of two family members in Ontario.
  • In 2024, Wedding is accused of orchestrating the murder of one victim in Canada due to a drug debt.
  • In January 2025, Wedding is accused of orchestrating the murder of an associate and FBI witness in Colombia.

The players

Ryan Wedding

A 44-year-old former Canadian Olympic snowboarder who is accused of leading a criminal organization that trafficked cocaine from South America to the US and Canada, and orchestrating the murders of several individuals.

Anthony Colombo

Wedding's attorney, who denied that his client had surrendered and claimed he was apprehended.

Kash Patel

The FBI Director, who described Wedding as the "largest narco-trafficker in modern times."

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.