Full Breakdown
FBI Seizes Rare Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster Linked to Alleged Drug Trafficker Ryan Wedding
11/26/2025, 4:30:27 PM
Overview of the Seizure
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has seized a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster valued at approximately $13 million as part of an investigation into Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder and alleged narcotics trafficker. This seizure is particularly notable due to the extreme rarity of the vehicle, with only six CLK GTR Roadsters existing worldwide, making it more scarce than the coupe variant, of which only 20 were produced.
Background on Ryan Wedding
Ryan Wedding, a Canadian citizen who represented Canada in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics, is currently on the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Following the conclusion of his athletic career, Wedding allegedly transitioned into drug trafficking, reportedly moving around 60 metric tons of cocaine annually. The FBI's investigation, dubbed "Giant Slalom," has drawn comparisons between Wedding and notorious drug lords such as Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and Pablo Escobar. Recent indictments have accused him of orchestrating the murder of a federal witness.
Details of the Investigation
The FBI's seizure of the CLK GTR Roadster is part of a broader investigation into Wedding's drug trafficking operations, which are believed to have generated over $1 billion in revenue last year. The agency has not disclosed the specific location where the vehicle was found but suggests that Wedding is currently residing in Mexico and collaborating with the Sinaloa cartel. The FBI has placed a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Implications of the Seizure
The seizure of such a high-value asset raises questions about the future of the CLK GTR Roadster. Typically, seized vehicles are auctioned off, and given the rarity and value of this particular model, it is expected to attract significant bids. The outcome of the auction will be closely monitored by automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Criticism & Opposition
While the FBI's actions have been praised for targeting high-profile drug traffickers, some critics argue that the focus on luxury assets may overshadow the broader issues of drug trafficking and its societal impacts. Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of such seizures in addressing the root causes of drug-related crime.
Official Statements
The FBI's statement regarding the seizure emphasized the significance of the CLK GTR Roadster in the context of their ongoing investigation into Ryan Wedding and his associates. The agency highlighted the vehicle's value and rarity, underscoring the financial implications of Wedding's alleged drug operations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As part of the Giant Slalom investigative developments announced last week involving FBI Top Ten Fugitive, Ryan Wedding, and his associates, a rare 2002 Mercedes CLK GTR valued at $13 million was seized by the FBI,” — FBI Statement
- “Wedding is a Canadian citizen who competed in snowboarding for Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics; he is believed to have turned to drug trafficking after his snowboarding career ended, and now allegedly moves 60 metric tons of cocaine per year.” — Road & Track Report
The seizure of the CLK GTR Roadster marks a significant development in the FBI's efforts to dismantle high-level drug trafficking operations, spotlighting the intersection of luxury assets and organized crime.
