Los Angeles, California – U.S., Canadian, and Mexican authorities have seized an estimated $40 million worth of motorcycles linked to Ryan James Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder who authorities say became the leader of a violent international drug trafficking organization. The seizure is part of a coordinated multinational investigation involving U.S. federal and local agencies and international partners.
Massive Multinational Seizure Uncovered in Mexico
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the motorcycles were recovered during search warrants executed by Mexican authorities with assistance from the FBI, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Los Angeles Police Department.
The FBI’s Los Angeles field office shared images showing dozens of high-end motorcycles stored inside what appeared to be a large warehouse. Officials described the haul as “a large number” of motorcycles believed to be assets tied directly to Wedding’s criminal enterprise.
From Olympic Athlete to Alleged Drug Kingpin
Wedding once represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, where he finished 24th in the parallel giant slalom snowboarding event. Federal authorities say his life took a dramatic turn in the years that followed.
In October 2024, Wedding and 15 co-defendants were formally charged with operating a transnational drug trafficking and murder ring. Prosecutors allege the organization moved large quantities of cocaine from Colombia, routing shipments through Mexico and Southern California before transporting them into Canada.
How the Drug Operation Worked
Federal officials detailed a sophisticated logistics network used by the group.
“The cocaine shipments were transported from Mexico to the Los Angeles area where the organization’s operatives would store it in stash houses before delivering it to the transportation network couriers for transportation to Canada using long-haul semi-trucks,”
the U.S. Department of Justice said when announcing the charges in 2024.
Authorities added that the organization routinely relied on violence and intimidation, including multiple murders, to protect its drug routes and silence threats.
Murder Allegations and Expanding Charges
Prosecutors allege that Wedding and his associates orchestrated four murders “in furtherance” of the drug trafficking operation. Since the original indictment, the investigation has continued to widen.
Just last month, 10 individuals connected to Wedding’s criminal network were arrested in connection with the murder of a federal witness, according to court filings. Despite these arrests, Wedding himself remains at large.
FBI Top 10 Most Wanted Status
Due to the scale of the operation and the alleged violence involved, Wedding has been placed on the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted list. Authorities say he operates under numerous aliases, including “El Jefe,” “Public Enemy,” “Giant,” and “Jesse Conrad King.”
The FBI believes Wedding is currently residing in Mexico and warns that he should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.
Reward and Suspect Description
A reward of up to $15 million is being offered for information leading to Wedding’s arrest and/or conviction. According to the FBI, he is described as:
- White male
- 6 feet 3 inches tall
- Approximately 240 pounds
- Blue eyes
- Brown hair
How to Provide Information
Anyone with information regarding Wedding’s whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI. Tips can be submitted securely via WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram at 424-495-0614.
Conclusion
The $40 million motorcycle seizure marks a significant financial blow to one of the most high-profile drug trafficking cases in recent years. While authorities have dismantled parts of the alleged criminal network, the search for Ryan James Wedding continues across international borders.
If you have information relevant to this case, law enforcement officials emphasize that even small tips could play a critical role. Share your experiences or thoughts in the comments below.
