A hitman working for Mexico's infamous Sinaloa cartel has made the explosive claim that United States authorities are deliberately exaggerating the profile of fugitive ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding, building him up as a 'new Chapo' to create a major news event upon his eventual capture.
An Unnamed Source in the Shadows
The unnamed cartel operative, who gave an interview to CBC News from a safehouse in northwestern Mexico, stated he had only recently become aware of Wedding's name. This is despite the Sinaloa cartel's two-decade history of dealing with Canadian narcotics customers. "His name has gone viral in these last few months, they say he’s the new Chapo," he said, referencing the notorious former Sinaloa leader Joaquin Guzman Loera.
He accused US officials of sensationalising the case: "They are inflating the news, they are inflating this person to put all the attention on him. I believe they probably know where he is and they’re just letting this go and go and then they’ll make it like it’s huge news."
The Billion-Dollar Fugitive
Ryan Wedding, a 44-year-old former snowboarder who represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, is accused of leading a vast drug-smuggling operation valued in the billions. He faces serious allegations, including orchestrating multiple murders. The FBI has been seeking him since October 2024, placing him on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in March with a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
Despite new charges last month for witness tampering, intimidation, murder, money laundering, and drug trafficking, Wedding remains at large. Law enforcement sources told CBC they believe the interviewed Sinaloa operative is among several cartel members providing protection for Wedding, whose organisation is alleged to have moved multi-tonne quantities of cocaine from Mexico into the US and Canada.
Cartel Turmoil and a Shifting Appearance
However, the hitman cast doubt on the cartel's current ability to shield Wedding, suggesting internal strife: "I don’t think the Sinaloa cartel could be protecting him right now because the cartel is going through circumstances that could lead to its collapse." He described his own role as providing 'security' for his faction, admitting this made him "more or less" a cartel hitman.
He also questioned the scale of the operation attributed to a Canadian, commenting, "Personally, I think it’s too large of a job for a Canadian." This contrasts with claims from US Attorney General Pam Bondi, who stated Wedding's group moved 60 tonnes of cocaine from Mexico to Los Angeles in just one year.
The FBI's hunt continues to evolve. Recently, the bureau released a new shirtless selfie of Wedding, showing a large lion tattoo on his chest. This image is significant because Wedding's appearance is believed to change frequently; other circulated photos show him with varying hair lengths and facial hair. In August, the FBI indicated there was 'some evidence' he had undergone cosmetic surgery to alter his looks and evade capture.
In a related development, Canadian police recently arrested Rasheed Pascua Hossain, a 32-year-old Vancouver man also known as 'JP Morgan'. Hossain, a former accomplice, faces US charges for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and launder money. A criminal indictment alleges he "managed and laundered the Wedding Criminal Enterprise’s drug proceeds."
