In northwestern Mexico, an operative affiliated with the Sinaloa cartel expressed that the U.S. is sensationalizing Ryan Wedding’s persona to create a significant news event upon his apprehension. The operative mentioned that despite their organization’s long-standing interactions with Canadian narcotics clients, Wedding’s name recently gained widespread attention through media and online platforms, with some likening him to the notorious drug lord, Joaquín (El Chapo) Guzmán Loera.
According to the U.S. Justice Department, Wedding, 44, purportedly resides in Mexico under the safeguard of the Sinaloa cartel, a prominent global criminal syndicate. FBI Director Kash Patel dubbed Wedding as the new El Chapo, highlighting his alleged involvement in orchestrating the transportation of substantial cocaine volumes from Mexico to the U.S. and Canada.
Wedding, a former Canadian Olympian, has been a fugitive since 2015, prompting the U.S. State Department to offer a $15 million reward for his capture. Recently added to the FBI’s top 10 most-wanted fugitives list, Wedding, who competed in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics, remains elusive.
In pursuit of additional insights into Wedding’s case, CBC News secured an interview with a cartel member purportedly aiding Wedding’s concealment. Conducted in Culiacán, a city embroiled in cartel conflicts, the interviewee, affirming involvement in cartel security, hinted at Wedding’s alleged drug trafficking activities but questioned his capacity to manage large-scale operations independently.
Contrary to speculations of cartel protection, the operative suggested that the Sinaloa cartel’s internal strife could impede efforts to shield Wedding. Amid escalating cartel tensions, the Mexican military and federal police have intensified their presence in Culiacán, responding to the turmoil stemming from criminal rivalries.
Maj.-Gen. Julices Julián González Calzada, overseeing Mexico’s National Guard troops in Sinaloa, emphasized their focus on restoring peace in Culiacán, stating that Wedding is not a primary target for their operations. The Sinaloa cartel’s historical ties to Canada, spanning illicit drug trades encompassing cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, were acknowledged by the cartel operative, who highlighted the profitability of Canadian drug markets despite challenges in the U.S. due to heightened criminal activities.
Overall, the saga surrounding Ryan Wedding underscores the intricate web of criminal enterprises, law enforcement pursuits, and societal impacts intertwined with narcotics trafficking in the Americas.