FBI announces arrest of Ryan Wedding, ex-Olympian turned alleged drug kingpin | full video

Key Concepts

• Ryan Wedding: A former Olympic snowboarder turned major narco-trafficker, comparable to El Chapo and Pablo Escobar.
• FBI Top 10 Fugitives: A list of the FBI’s most wanted criminals.
• Transnational Organized Crime: Criminal activities spanning multiple countries, exemplified by Wedding’s drug trafficking network.
• Interagency Cooperation: Collaboration between various law enforcement agencies (FBI, RCMP, LAPD, DEA, CBP, Mexican authorities) at local, national, and international levels.
• Operation PACE: Homeland Security Task Force operation involved in the case.
• OFAC Sanctions: Sanctions imposed by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Record-Breaking Law Enforcement Achievements Under the Trump Administration

Today’s announcement centers on the capture of Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder who rose to become a significant figure in international narcotics trafficking, described as a “modern-day El Chapo” and “modern-day Pablo Escobar.” This capture represents a major victory for law enforcement and is presented as one of several record-breaking achievements under President Trump’s leadership and commitment to supporting law enforcement. Specifically, this marks the sixth capture of an FBI Top 10 fugitive in a single year – exceeding the total from the previous administration by two.

The Ryan Wedding Case: Details and International Collaboration

Ryan Wedding and his organization were responsible for trafficking hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and orchestrating murders, impacting communities across North America. The investigation revealed a transnational network shipping approximately 60 metric tons of cocaine through Southern California en route to Canada. Wedding is also accused of ordering multiple murders of victims and witnesses.

The apprehension of Wedding was a collaborative effort involving the FBI, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and crucially, the Mexican government, including President Shinbon, Secretary Harouch, and Mexican military and law enforcement. The FBI’s Ambassador Ron Johnson in Mexico played a key role, prioritizing the case for over a year. Wedding was apprehended in Mexico City, with the operation benefiting from previously planned travel by FBI leadership.

The investigation has resulted in 36 arrests, sanctions imposed on 19 individuals (including Wedding) by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the seizure of significant assets including a Mercedes-Benz valued at over $15 million, motorcycles worth approximately $40 million, and other valuable artwork and jewelry. The case is operating under the auspices of Operation PACE, a Homeland Security Task Force.

FBI’s 2025 Record-Breaking Statistics

The announcement highlighted a series of record-breaking statistics for the FBI in 2025:

• Arrests: 67,000 arrests, a 200% increase.
• Top 10 Fugitive Captures: Six captures, two more than the entire previous administration.
• Fentanyl Seizures: Enough fentanyl seized to kill 150 million Americans, a 31% increase.
• Espionage Arrests: 35% more arrests of individuals involved in espionage and corruption linked to China, Russia, the DPRK, and Iran.
• Missing Children Recovered: 6,000 missing children identified and recovered, a 22% increase.
• Murder Rate Decline: A 20% decline in the murder rate in the United States, an all-time record for the modern era.

These achievements are directly attributed to President Trump’s leadership and support for law enforcement.

Operational Details and Future Steps

The capture of Wedding was described as an “enterprisewide success” involving the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team, Special Flight Operations Unit, Headquarters component, and Los Angeles field office. The decision to utilize Ontario International Airport for the transfer was based on maximizing operational security, in coordination with airport authorities and local law enforcement.

The indictment against Wedding originated in the Los Angeles U.S. Attorney’s Office. Additionally, another Top 10 fugitive, Mr. Castillo, was apprehended in Mexico the previous week and is being transported east for handover to local authorities. A $2 million reward remains available for information leading to further arrests in connection with the case, with contact information provided (424-494-614, accessible via WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram).

Perspectives and Statements

“This is what a united front looks like,” emphasized a speaker, highlighting the importance of interagency cooperation. The FBI Director expressed gratitude for President Trump’s leadership and support for law enforcement, stating, “That is the leadership that President Trump has brought to the presidency.”

Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, stated, “The long arm of the law extends beyond our borders.” He also acknowledged the impact on victims, saying, “Today is a great day for the victims in this case.”

Chief McDonald of the LAPD underscored the collaborative nature of the investigation, noting the seizure of over 2300 kg of cocaine, 44 kg of methamphetamine, 44 kg of fentanyl, eight firearms, and over $55 million in illicit assets.

Commissioner Mike Duham of the RCMP emphasized the necessity of international partnerships, stating, “No single agency or nation can combat transnational organized crime alone.”

Logical Connections

The announcement follows a clear narrative: President Trump’s leadership has fostered a supportive environment for law enforcement, leading to unprecedented success in combating crime. The capture of Ryan Wedding serves as a prime example of this success, demonstrating the effectiveness of interagency cooperation and international partnerships. The statistical data presented reinforces this narrative, showcasing significant improvements across various crime categories. The mention of the second fugitive capture further emphasizes the momentum and effectiveness of these efforts.

Conclusion

The event underscored a message of success in law enforcement, attributing record-breaking achievements to President Trump’s leadership and a renewed commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies. The capture of Ryan Wedding, a high-profile narco-trafficker, exemplifies the effectiveness of interagency collaboration and international partnerships in combating transnational organized crime. The presented statistics demonstrate a significant positive trend in crime reduction and law enforcement effectiveness, painting a picture of increased safety and security for communities across the United States and Canada.