Full Breakdown
Seizure of $40 Million in Motorcycles Linked to Fugitive Ryan Wedding
12/30/2025, 11:39:48 AM
Overview of the Seizure
In December 2025, Mexican authorities seized a collection of luxury motorcycles valued at approximately $40 million, believed to belong to Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder now listed among the FBI's Ten Most Wanted fugitives. The operation, which involved collaboration between the FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Mexican law enforcement, resulted in the confiscation of 62 motorcycles, two vehicles, artwork, drugs, and two Olympic medals from four properties in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
Allegations Against Ryan Wedding
Ryan Wedding, a 44-year-old Canadian national, is accused of leading a transnational drug trafficking operation that allegedly smuggles cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and into the United States and Canada. Federal prosecutors claim he is responsible for moving approximately six metric tons of cocaine annually and has orchestrated multiple murders, including the killing of a federal witness in January 2025. Wedding was indicted in Los Angeles federal court in October 2024 on charges including running a continuing criminal enterprise and committing murder in connection with drug trafficking.
Background on Ryan Wedding
Wedding represented Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics as a snowboarder. Following his athletic career, he was convicted in 2009 for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and served time until his release in December 2010. Authorities allege that after his release, he established a drug trafficking enterprise, which has drawn comparisons to notorious figures like Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and Pablo Escobar.
Official Statements & Responses
The FBI has described Wedding as a "modern-day iteration" of notorious drug traffickers, emphasizing the danger he poses due to his alleged involvement in orchestrating murders against rivals and witnesses. FBI Director Kash Patel noted, "Ryan Wedding has orchestrated murders against his rivals, against cooperating witnesses, against anybody that crosses his path." The U.S. Department of State has offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Wedding's arrest or conviction, highlighting the urgency of his capture.
Criticism & Opposition
While the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have praised the seizure as a significant step in combating drug trafficking, some critics argue that the focus on high-profile arrests may overlook broader systemic issues within drug enforcement strategies. They suggest that without addressing the root causes of drug trafficking, such operations may only provide temporary relief.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a lack of clarity regarding the exact number of motorcycles seized, with some reports confirming 62 motorcycles while others suggest a larger collection. Additionally, while authorities believe Wedding is hiding in Mexico under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel, there are no confirmed sightings or detailed accounts of his current whereabouts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada,” — Akil Davis, Assistant Director, FBI Los Angeles Field Office
The ongoing manhunt for Ryan Wedding continues as authorities seek public assistance in locating him, emphasizing that he may have altered his appearance to evade capture.
