In a significant development in an international manhunt, Mexican authorities have seized a cache of luxury items, narcotics, and Olympic medals during raids connected to former Canadian Olympic skier and alleged drug kingpin Ryan Wedding.
High-Value Seizures in Coordinated Raids
According to a joint statement released by Mexican officials, multiple agencies conducted simultaneous operations on Wednesday, December 24th, 2025. They raided and searched four properties located in Mexico City and the surrounding State of Mexico. The targets were described as being "related to a former Olympic athlete and one of the 10 most wanted fugitives by U.S. authorities."
While the statement did not name Ryan Wedding explicitly, he is the sole individual on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list who matches that description. The 44-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a former alpine skier who represented Canada at the 2022 Winter Games in Utah, finishing 24th in the giant slalom.
What Was Confiscated?
The haul from the raids was substantial and eclectic. Agents reportedly confiscated quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana. Beyond the drugs, the seizure included an impressive collection of 62 high-end motorcycles, two vehicles, various pieces of art, documents, and ammunition.
Perhaps most symbolically, authorities also seized two Olympic medals. It remains unclear to whom these medals belonged or for which sport they were awarded. Notably, Ryan Wedding himself did not win a medal during his Olympic career.
From Olympian to Alleged Cartel Associate
Authorities allege that after his athletic career ended, Wedding transitioned into organized crime. He is accused of building a massive narcotics network responsible for trafficking large quantities of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and into the United States and Canada.
In March 2025, Wedding was added to the FBI's most-wanted list. The charges against him are severe, including running a continuing criminal enterprise, drug trafficking, and orchestrating multiple murders connected to his alleged organization. U.S. and Mexican officials believe he has strong ties to the powerful Sinaloa Cartel and uses cryptocurrency to launder illicit profits. The reward for information leading to his capture was recently increased to $15 million.
Legal Developments in Canada
The investigation's reach extends back into Canada. On Tuesday, December 23rd, Brampton lawyer Deepak Paradkar, 62, was granted bail by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ahead of an extradition hearing. Paradkar is accused of playing a key role in Wedding's alleged international drug-trafficking operation. The allegations are grave, including that he counselled Wedding to kill a witness.
The operations in Mexico were led by a coalition of forces, including the attorney general’s office, the Mexican Navy, the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), the Ministry of Defence, and the National Guard. The widespread belief among international law enforcement is that Wedding is currently hiding somewhere in Mexico.
