Calgary, AB – A Calgary resident once portrayed as a central figure in an international drug network has been taken into custody following a major U.S. investigation tied to cross-border cocaine trafficking and the murder of a witness in Colombia. The arrest marks a significant development in a long-running case that began nearly a decade ago and involves alleged links to Mexican cartels, a Canadian Olympian, and a series of violent incidents across North America.
U.S. Investigation Connects Canadian Suspect to International Drug Operations
According to court filings associated with the U.S. extradition request, Allistair Chapman, 33, was arrested in Calgary and appeared in Court of King’s Bench this week. His extradition hearing has been adjourned until Friday. American prosecutors allege Chapman participated in conspiracy to export cocaine, murder connected to a continuing criminal enterprise, and other serious drug-related offences. The details are outlined in a provisional arrest warrant issued by U.S. authorities.
Chapman is one of the individuals named by the U.S. Department of Justice, which is conducting an extensive investigation linked to former Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding. Investigators believe Wedding is currently being sheltered by cartel members in Mexico. The same investigation also led to the arrest of Ahmad Nabil Zitoun, 35, from Edmonton.
History of Alleged Criminal Activity in Calgary
Chapman is no stranger to Canadian law enforcement. His prior arrest in Calgary followed a wide-ranging police investigation sparked by a 2016 drug seizure in Utah, where officers intercepted a pickup truck carrying 100 kilograms of methamphetamine. The discovery prompted an international inquiry that led Calgary police to several suspects believed to be part of a larger drug network.
In May 2017, authorities linked the same organization to a double homicide outside a southeast grocery store, intensifying concerns about the violent capabilities of the group. At the time, police labeled Chapman as a ringleader, asserting that his connections made him a key figure within the operation.
Reputation and Alleged Ties to Mexican Cartels
Chapman, a former junior hockey player, was described by sources in 2018 as socially withdrawn but highly influential due to his alleged cartel links. One source noted:
“Gang members didn’t like Chapman. In fact, they hated him. But he was the one who had the contacts.”
These connections, authorities alleged, allowed him to maintain a crucial role even when he lacked the charisma typically associated with criminal leadership.
Previous Charges Dismissed After Trial Delays
Despite the seriousness of the earlier allegations, Chapman and other accused individuals saw their charges dismissed. On July 30, 2020, Justice Richard Neufeld determined that the 34-month delay between the initial charges and the projected end of trial violated constitutional protections guaranteeing a timely prosecution. The dismissal halted the Canadian case but did not prevent renewed interest from international investigators.
Broader Context: Rising Cross-Border Drug Enforcement Efforts
The recent arrest fits within a pattern of intensified cooperation between Canadian and American authorities targeting international drug networks. Cross-border trafficking has increasingly involved complex supply chains reaching from Mexico to Alberta and other parts of Canada. Cases such as Chapman’s highlight how violence, witness intimidation, and cartel-linked operations continue to pose significant challenges to law enforcement.
What Comes Next in the Extradition Process
Chapman remains in Calgary custody as the court considers the U.S. extradition application. If extradited, he will face multiple high-level charges in the United States, including allegations tied to a Colombian witness killing and large-scale cocaine distribution. Defence counsel declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the proceedings.
Public Safety Concerns and Ongoing Investigations
Authorities in both countries continue to monitor related cartel activity, with investigations still active in Mexico, Colombia, and several U.S. states. Officials caution that as transnational drug networks evolve, cooperation across borders becomes even more essential in preventing further trafficking, violence, and organized criminal expansion.
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