Calgary Man Arrested in FBI Operation Targeting Alleged Drug Lord

URGENT UPDATE: A Calgary man has been arrested as part of a sweeping FBI operation targeting a notorious alleged Canadian drug lord. Allistair Chapman, 33, was apprehended on October 3, 2023, under extradition warrants linked to a major investigation into organized crime and murder.

Chapman is accused of playing a critical role in a conspiracy that allegedly aimed to silence a key witness against Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder now listed among the FBI’s 10 most wanted. The operation, dubbed Operation Grand Slalom, has led to 11 arrests in total, with ten suspects apprehended in Calgary and across Canada.

Officials confirm that Chapman provided a photograph to a co-defendant, paying him to post it on the website Dirty News to assist in locating a witness before he could testify against Wedding. Tragically, this witness was murdered in a restaurant in Colombia earlier this year.

The FBI alleges that Chapman is linked to the “Wedding Criminal Enterprise,” a billion-dollar drug trafficking organization responsible for importing large quantities of cocaine into North America from Colombia, facilitated through Mexico. This operation has gained unprecedented attention due to the violent nature of the crimes involved, including multiple murder allegations against Wedding himself.

At a news conference held on October 3, 2023, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi described Wedding as controlling one of the “most prolific and violent drug trafficking organizations in the world.” She emphasized the urgency of dismantling this network, which spans multiple countries including the United States, Canada, and Colombia.

Chapman was arrested in Calgary and made a brief court appearance later that day. He is currently being held under the Extradition Act and is scheduled to return to court on October 6, 2023. His attorney declined to comment on the charges, which include conspiracy to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to commit murder, and witness retaliation.

This investigation is notable not only for its scope but for its potential implications on international drug trafficking operations. Wedding’s ability to evade capture for over a decade has raised significant concerns among law enforcement agencies. Investigators are now focused on the broader network of associates involved in this criminal enterprise.

As this story develops, the impact on communities and families affected by drug violence is profound. The FBI and Canadian authorities are dedicated to bringing all individuals involved in this dangerous operation to justice.

Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge from this escalating situation.