Former Olympic Athlete Ryan Wedding Arrested in Mexico, linked to Sinaloa cartel
January 25, 2026
By José Díaz Briseño / Correspondent
california, United States – January 23, 2026
Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic athlete, was arrested in Mexico and is alleged to have ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. Credit: Especial
The arrest of former canadian Olympic athlete Ryan Wedding, allegedly involved in drug trafficking, occurred in Mexico City on Thursday evening, coinciding with a previously unpublicized visit by FBI Director Kash Patel. The timing of the arrest has raised questions about potential collaboration between U.S. and mexican authorities.
Background on Ryan Wedding
Ryan wedding is a former Canadian bobsledder who competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Following his athletic career, he became embroiled in legal issues. In December 2023, Wedding was charged with conspiracy to import and traffic cocaine and methamphetamine after a joint investigation by the RCMP and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).He had been living in Mexico at the time of his arrest.
Sinaloa Cartel Involvement
Authorities allege Wedding was working with the Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations. The DEA has been actively targeting the cartel’s operations and leadership. The U.S. Department of Justice has consistently prioritized disrupting the cartel’s activities, including it’s international networks.
FBI Director’s Visit
The visit by FBI Director Kash Patel to Mexico occurred as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation on law enforcement and counter-narcotics initiatives. While details of the visit were not publicly disclosed, it is believed Patel met with high-ranking Mexican officials to discuss strategies for combating transnational criminal organizations. The FBI routinely collaborates with international partners to address threats to U.S. national security.
Implications and Ongoing Investigation
Wedding’s arrest is a meaningful development in the ongoing efforts to dismantle the Sinaloa Cartel’s operations. The case highlights the challenges of combating drug trafficking and the importance of international cooperation. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities continue to gather evidence. Mexican authorities are currently holding Wedding pending extradition proceedings to the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Former Olympic athlete Ryan Wedding was arrested in Mexico City.
- He is accused of being involved with the Sinaloa Cartel.
- The arrest coincided with a visit by FBI Director Kash Patel.
- The case underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking.
