A coordinated international law enforcement operation has seized $40 million in motorcycles from a fugitive ex-Olympian, striking a blow against transnational drug trafficking.
Story Highlights
- FBI and Mexican authorities seize $40 million worth of motorcycles from fugitive Ryan James Wedding.
- The operation targets a transnational drug trafficking network linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.
- Wedding remains on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list with a $15 million reward for his capture.
- The seizure includes high-value MotoGP racing bikes and rare luxury assets.
International Law Enforcement Operation
In December 2025, an international law enforcement operation led by the FBI’s Los Angeles division, in collaboration with Mexican authorities, resulted in the seizure of approximately 62 motorcycles valued at $40 million. These assets, believed to belong to Ryan James Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, were seized across four locations in Mexico City and the State of Mexico. The operation underscores the extensive coordination between U.S., Mexican, and Canadian law enforcement agencies.
This coordinated effort aims to disrupt a transnational drug trafficking network allegedly operated by Wedding, who has been linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. The network is believed to traffic hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and Southern California, ultimately reaching Canada and the United States.
The seizure of these motorcycles, including high-value MotoGP racing bikes associated with famed racers like Valentino Rossi, highlights the wealth and reach of the criminal enterprise. Additionally, the operation confiscated Olympic medals and rare artwork, further illustrating the opulent lifestyle maintained by the fugitive while evading law enforcement.
Background of the Fugitive
Ryan James Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder for Canada, has experienced a dramatic fall from grace. Initially competing in the 2002 Winter Olympics, Wedding’s transition from athlete to alleged international drug kingpin began with a 2008 attempt to purchase cocaine from a U.S. government agent. His criminal activities escalated, resulting in multiple charges, including drug trafficking, witness murder, and continuing criminal enterprise operations. Wedding is believed to reside in Mexico, protected by the Sinaloa Cartel, and his capture remains a top priority for international law enforcement.
The $15 million reward for Wedding’s capture signals the seriousness with which authorities are pursuing him. His alleged involvement in orchestrating murders and intimidating witnesses further complicates the legal proceedings against him. The seizure of his luxury assets is a strategic move to undermine his financial capabilities and operational reach.
Implications and Future Developments
The seizure is a significant blow to Wedding’s operations, disrupting his ability to liquidate assets and finance his criminal activities. The coordinated nature of the operation also demonstrates the enhanced capacity of international law enforcement to address transnational crime effectively. This action may strain Wedding’s relationships with criminal networks, such as the Sinaloa Cartel, as his continued evasion becomes a liability.
Feds have seized a $40 million collection of rare Ducati MotoGP motorcycles tied to fugitive Ryan Wedding, a former Olympian accused of running a violent international drug and murder-for-hire operation linked to Los Angeles.
— Los Angeles Magazine (@LAmag) December 31, 2025
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In the long term, the international cooperation displayed in this operation sets a precedent for future efforts to dismantle global drug trafficking networks. It highlights the increasing importance of cross-border intelligence sharing and joint operations in combating organized crime. As authorities continue to tighten the net around Wedding, his eventual capture could provide crucial insights into the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel and other criminal enterprises.
Sources:
$40M in Motorcycles Seized as Part of FBI Pursuit of Fugitive B.C. Ex-Olympian
FBI Seizes $40M Worth of Motorcycles Linked to Olympian Fugitive
Motorcycles Worth $40M Seized in Hunt for Ex-Olympic Snowboarder on FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List
FBI Seize Bizarre MotoGP Collection from Most Wanted Olympian Fugitive