Mexican authorities have seized a significant portion of the fortune belonging to Ryan Wedding, a Canadian national allegedly involved in large-scale drug trafficking between Colombia and North America. A key piece of evidence in locating these assets was an extremely rare Mercedes Benz CLK-GTR Roadster, valued at approximately $10 million.
Uncovering a Multi-Million Dollar Operation
Authorities determined the exclusive vehicle – of which only 8 to 20 are known to exist worldwide – was linked to Wedding, also known as the ‘modern Pablo Escobar.’ The seizure is part of a larger operation in Mexico that has so far yielded 62 high-end motorcycles, two additional vehicles, artwork, two Olympic medals, ammunition, and various documents reportedly connected to Wedding. A $15 million reward is currently offered for information leading to his capture.
The investigation reveals that Wedding, a former Olympic athlete, is now wanted internationally as a major exporter of cocaine to Canada and the United States. Mexican authorities have sealed properties linked to Wedding, and U.S. authorities have identified him as an associate of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Among the seized assets is a Ducati Desmosedici RR motorcycle, a racing replica valued at $72,000 (approximately 268 million Colombian pesos).
A History of Criminal Activity and a Recent Murder
According to an indictment accessed by EL TIEMPO, Wedding was previously convicted in 2009 – six years after competing in the Olympics – and sentenced to 12 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Following his release, he allegedly established a network trafficking drugs from Colombia and Mexico to the United States, where they were stored for distribution in Canada.
Jonathan Chistopher Acevedo García, the key FBI witness against Wedding, was murdered in Medellín. Foto:EL TIEMPO.
Federal agencies have confirmed that Wedding allegedly ordered the murder of Jonathan Christopher Acevedo García in January 2025. Acevedo García was a key witness in a case against two of Wedding’s alleged associates. Authorities believe Wedding maintains key contacts within Colombia who are assisting him in evading capture and continuing his drug trafficking operations.
Two Colombians, Carlos Alberto Peña Goyeneche and Felipe Andrés Puccetti Iriarte, were previously captured in a transnational operation on October 31, 2024, and identified as intermediaries between Wedding and cocaine buyers.
U.S. authorities are also tracking two Colombian women linked to Wedding, Carmen Yelinet Valoyes Flórez, allegedly running a high-end prostitution ring catering to prominent figures in Mexico, and Daniela Acuña Macías, reportedly Wedding’s romantic partner. Reports indicate Acuña Macías may have received millions of dollars from Wedding and assisted him in gathering intelligence on rivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ryan Wedding?
Ryan Wedding is a Canadian national and former Olympic athlete who is currently wanted internationally and is alleged to be a major exporter of cocaine to Canada and the United States.
What role did the Mercedes Benz play in the investigation?
The extremely rare Mercedes Benz CLK-GTR Roadster, valued at $10 million, was a key piece of evidence that led Mexican authorities to assets belonging to Ryan Wedding.
Has anyone been arrested in connection with this case?
While Ryan Wedding remains at large, two Colombians, Carlos Alberto Peña Goyeneche and Felipe Andrés Puccetti Iriarte, have been captured for allegedly serving as intermediaries in Wedding’s drug trafficking network.
As authorities continue to investigate, it remains to be seen whether further assets will be uncovered in Colombia or elsewhere. It is possible that the investigation will lead to additional arrests and a tightening of the net around Wedding and his associates.
