Ryan Wedding and the Sinaloa Cartel: A Dangerous Connection

Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, is on the FBI’s ‘Most Wanted’ list linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, facing multiple charges including drug trafficking and murder. The cartel, founded in the late 1980s, is a dominant force in the drug trade, controlling significant portions and generating billions in revenue, while being responsible for widespread violence in Mexico and the U.S.

Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has recently been placed on the FBI’s ‘Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List’ due to his alleged connections with the Sinaloa Cartel, a powerful drug trafficking organization. Currently on the run, he is subject to a $10 million bounty for his apprehension, facing accusations of smuggling cocaine across North America and being implicated in multiple murders, including a tragic case of mistaken identity involving a Canadian couple in 2023.

The Sinaloa Cartel, founded by Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo in the late 1980s, became globally notorious under the leadership of Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán. Guzmán infamously escaped from prison twice before being captured in 2016. The cartel is recognized as one of the oldest and most established drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, significantly impacting the drug landscape across the United States.

Named after the northwestern Mexican state of Sinaloa, the cartel has been a major supplier of drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana, on U.S. streets. It maintains control over smuggling routes in Arizona and California, with distribution centers established in various American cities. The cartel is also alleged to be operating fentanyl production facilities in Mexico.

Research indicates that, during the early 2010s, the Sinaloa Cartel controlled 40 to 60 percent of Mexico’s drug trade, generating annual revenues estimated up to $3 billion. A recent U.S. indictment disclosed that the organization laundered over $869,000 using Bitcoin between August 2022 and February 2023.

The cartel is notorious for its violent history, contributing significantly to the prolonged drug war in Mexico, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands. Ismael Zambada, a prominent 76-year-old figure in the cartel, is viewed as one of the last of the original drug lords, known for his deep partnership with Guzmán and for managing drug transport operations, safeguarding narcotics warehouses, and orchestrating assassinations of potential threats.

In summary, Ryan Wedding’s involvement with the Sinaloa Cartel highlights the intersecting worlds of sports and crime, as he faces serious charges including drug trafficking and murder. The Sinaloa Cartel remains a formidable force in the drug trade, with a legacy of violence and substantial economic power in North America. Its operations are extensive, affecting not only Mexico but also the United States, contributing to ongoing criminal activities and fatalities. Understanding the complexities of this organization is crucial to addressing the broader implications of drug trafficking and violence.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com