Ryan Wedding, ex-Canadian Olympic snowboarder, was arrested in Mexico City on U.S. drug and murder charges. For punters: immediate effect on snowboarding futures is negligible, but novelty/celebrity markets and any comeback bets are effectively void; sportsbooks may flag wagers connected to him and tighten integrity checks.
Ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding Arrested in Mexico on Drug and Murder Charges
Ryan Wedding, a 44-year-old former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, was arrested in Mexico City and is being transferred to the United States to face charges. Once a Salt Lake City Olympian, Wedding is accused of running a transnational drug trafficking enterprise and of ordering multiple murders, including the killing of a federal witness.
Scope of the Allegations
Authorities allege Wedding oversaw a wide-reaching narcotics operation that used Los Angeles as a primary distribution hub. Seizures tied to the case include more than 2,300 kilograms of cocaine, 44 kilograms each of methamphetamine and fentanyl, multiple firearms, and over $55 million in alleged illicit assets. Officials say the network shipped large quantities of cocaine northward and collaborated with international criminal partners.
Law Enforcement Operation and Arrest
The arrest culminates a multiagency, multinational effort dubbed “Operation Giant Slalom.” Authorities report 36 arrests connected to the organization and sanctions against 19 individuals, with ongoing efforts to apprehend additional conspirators. The FBI had placed Wedding on its Top Ten Most Wanted list and substantially increased its reward for information leading to arrests.
Comparisons and Public Reaction
Officials described the operation as highly organized and likened its scale to that of notorious international drug traffickers, citing estimated illicit proceeds in the high millions to more than a billion dollars annually. The arrest has resonated beyond law enforcement, generating shock across sporting and public circles given Wedding’s Olympic past.
Legal Outlook and Next Steps
Wedding faces indictments that include drug trafficking and murder charges and is expected to make an initial court appearance soon after his transfer to U.S. custody. Investigations remain active, with authorities offering rewards and pursuing additional arrests and sanctions against collaborators.
What This Means for Sport and Betting Markets
While the arrest ends any possibility of a sports comeback, it has limited direct impact on competitive snowboarding markets. Betting operators are likely to monitor related novelty and celebrity markets and may apply integrity reviews or suspend wagers tied to the individual’s name. Punters should avoid speculative bets linked to the case and rely on regulated markets with transparent oversight.
Ryan Wedding captured: How Canadian Olympian became alleged drug kingpin
The arrest ends a multiyear search for the 44-year-old accused of running a transnational drug trafficking operation.
Theathleticuk
