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Mexico seizes motorcycles, Olympic medals in raids likely connected to Canadian fugitive Ryan Wedding
The Mexican government announced the seizure of dozens of high-end motorcycles, drugs and Olympic medals on Wednesday, following raids that appear linked to former Canadian Olympian-turned alleged drug kingpin Ryan Wedding.
Multiple agencies raided and searched four homes in Mexico City and the State of Mexico, “related to a former Olympic athlete and one of the 10 most wanted fugitives by U.S. authorities,” according to a joint statement.
Ryan Wedding, the former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, was not named specifically, but is the only person on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list who would fit the description.
Officials said the investigation into a “former athlete” helped them identify the properties related to illicit activities, with enough evidence to support court-issued warrants.
In addition to methamphetamine and marijuana, agents also seized 62 motorcycles, two vehicles, art, documents, ammunition and two Olympic medals.
It’s not clear whose medals they are or for which sport they were awarded. Wedding never stood on the podium for Canada, having finished 24th overall in the giant slalom event at the 2002 Games in Utah, his only Olympic appearance.
The operations were led by members of the attorney general’s office, the Mexican Navy, and the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), along with the Ministry of Defence and the National Guard.
Following his athletic career, authorities allege Wedding became involved in organized crime, ultimately building a sprawling narcotics network accused of trafficking large quantities of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and into the United States and Canada.
In March, the 44-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ont., was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list on charges that include running a continuing drug enterprise, drug trafficking, and orchestrating multiple murders connected to his alleged organization.
Authorities also allege Wedding has strong ties to the Sinaloa Cartel and uses cryptocurrency to launder illicit proceeds.
In November, the reward for information leading to his arrest was increased to $15 million.
U.S. and Mexico officials believe he is hiding somewhere in Mexico.
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