Ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding Captured in Mexico, Extradited to California

Ryan Wedding's Capture and Extradition

• 📌 Ryan Wedding, a former Olympian, has been captured by FBI agents in Mexico City and is now in LAPD custody.
• ✈️ He arrived at Ontario International Airport via a government plane, directly from Mexico City, marking the end of his fugitive status.

Accusations and Criminal Network

• 🎯 Wedding is accused of running a major transnational drug trafficking network, shipping large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
• 🇨🇴 The network allegedly used Los Angeles as its primary distribution point, sending drugs from Colombia through Mexico to Los Angeles and then to Canada.
• 🔪 He is also accused of ordering hits on rivals, with multiple murders attributed to him, including the shooting deaths of two family members in Ontario, Canada, reportedly in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment.

Investigation and Seizures

• 🔍 The FBI described the operation as a coordinated, intelligence-driven investigation into Wedding's global drug trafficking organization.
• 💰 Authorities seized over 2300 kg of cocaine, 44 kg of methamphetamine, 44 kg of fentanyl, eight firearms, and over $55 million in illicit assets.
• 🏍️ In December, officials seized Wedding's collection of 62 motorcycles, valued at $40 million, as part of the investigation.
• 🎨 Other confiscated items include drugs, artwork, a custom Mercedes-Benz valued at $14 million, and two Olympic medals.

Background and Legal Proceedings

• 💰 A $15 million reward was offered for Wedding's capture, though it is unclear if anyone will claim it.
• ⚖️ Wedding is expected to be booked in Los Angeles and appear in federal court in downtown Los Angeles on Monday.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The case involves numerous families and individuals, highlighting the extensive nature of the alleged criminal web led by Wedding.