A significant federal indictment has been unsealed, leading to the arrest of ten defendants connected to a criminal enterprise involving drug trafficking and murder. The case centers around Ryan James Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder now listed among the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, who faces charges for orchestrating the murder of a witness in Colombia.
Key Developments in the Indictment
The indictment includes nine counts, with Ryan Wedding as the primary defendant. At 44 years old, he currently resides in Mexico and allegedly oversees a violent drug trafficking organization linked closely with the Sinaloa Cartel. In March 2025, he was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, and authorities have announced a $15 million reward leading to his capture.
Arrests and Charges
The following individuals were arrested as part of “Operation Giant Slalom,” aimed at disrupting Wedding’s network:
- Deepak Balwant Paradkar, 62, from Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
- Atna Ohna, 40, from Laval, Québec, Canada
- Gursewak Singh Bal, 31, from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- Allistair Chapman, 33, from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Ahmad Nabil Zitoun, 35, from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Carmen Yelinet Valoyes Florez, 47, from Bogotá, Colombia
- Yulieth Katherine Tejada, 36, from Orlando, Florida (legal permanent resident from Colombia)
- Edwin Basora-Hernandez, 31, from Montréal
- Wilson Riascos, 45, from Cali, Colombia
- Rolan Sokolovski, 37, from Toronto
These arrests highlight a significant crackdown on organized crime operating at an international level.
The Violent Criminal Enterprise
Wedding’s organization is accused of importing vast quantities of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico to the United States annually. His influence extends to direct ordering of murders, including that of a federal witness earlier this year.
Authorities revealed that the witness was killed in Medellín, Colombia, in January 2025, following a bounty placed by Wedding. This gruesome act underscores the ruthlessness of his operations and the lengths he will go to protect himself from prosecution.
Implications and Responses
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized that whether someone is a drug kingpin or a street dealer, there is no immunity from the law. She stated that efforts will continue until Wedding is apprehended and brought to justice.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the investigation involves multiple countries collaborating to dismantle violent drug organizations led by individuals like Wedding.
Further Actions and Ongoing Investigations
In conjunction with the arrests, law enforcement has initiated immigration actions against several associates of Wedding’s enterprise. These include parties involved in supporting the criminal activities or possessing valuable information pertinent to the cases.
Significant financial actions are also ongoing to cut off Wedding and his associates from U.S. financial resources. This comprehensive approach aims to dismantle the support structures surrounding these dangerous criminal entities.
Convictions in this case could lead to severe sentences, including life imprisonment for those found guilty of these heinous crimes. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, continue to collaborate to address this pressing issue of organized crime.
As this situation develops, authorities remain resolute in their commitment to making communities safer and holding criminals accountable for their actions.
