Mexico Seizes Olympic Medals in Raids Linked to Fugitive
Mexican authorities conducted multiple raids on properties this week, seizing a wide range of items including Olympic medals.
The raids occurred in Mexico City and the State of Mexico, targeting properties linked to a manhunt for a Canadian fugitive.
Authorities Target Homes in Major Operation
Mexico’s Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection said federal agents carried out four coordinated raids.
The Navy, National Guard, Attorney General’s Office, and other security forces participated in the searches.
While the government did not name a suspect, media reports link the raids to Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder now wanted by U.S. authorities.
Wedding, originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, competed for Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics but did not win a medal.
What Authorities Seized
Officials said the items seized during the raids included:
- 62 high-end motorcycles
- Two vehicles
- Two Olympic medals
- Methamphetamine and marijuana
- Artwork and ammunition
- Documents and other materials
It is unclear who the Olympic medals belong to, as the former athlete linked to the raids did not win medals during his Olympic career.
Fugitive Allegations and Law Enforcement Efforts
U.S. authorities describe the former Olympian turned fugitive as one of the FBI’s 10 most wanted.
They allege he leads a large international drug trafficking network that moves cocaine from Mexico into the United States and Canada.
The U.S. government is offering a multimillion-dollar reward for information leading to his capture.
Legal Links and Ongoing Investigation
The raids occurred shortly after an Ontario lawyer linked to the case was granted bail ahead of potential extradition proceedings.
That lawyer faces allegations related to advising murders connected to the organization under investigation.
Mexican officials said the investigation continues and that bilateral cooperation with U.S. law enforcement remains active to locate and arrest the fugitive.
