U.S. Claims Ryan Wedding is a Major Drug Figure, Cartel Disagrees

The U.S. government alleges that Canadian fugitive Ryan Wedding is a significant cocaine trafficker, a claim that a member of the Sinaloa cartel contests. In an interview conducted in Culiacán, Mexico, the operative suggested that U.S. authorities are exaggerating Wedding’s notoriety to build a sensational narrative for when he is eventually captured.

The operative, speaking anonymously for security reasons, asserted that the Sinaloa cartel has engaged with Canadian drug customers for over two decades, yet he only learned of Wedding through recent media reports. “His name has gone viral… they say he’s the new Chapo,” he stated, referencing Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the former Sinaloa leader. He accused U.S. officials of inflating Wedding’s profile to divert attention from their own operations.

U.S. authorities believe that the 44-year-old Wedding resides in Mexico under the Sinaloa cartel’s protection. Kash Patel, the director of the FBI, has likened Wedding to El Chapo, while Pam Bondi, the U.S. Attorney General, claims he leads an organization responsible for trafficking numerous tonnes of cocaine into the U.S. and Canada.

The U.S. State Department is offering a reward of $15 million for information leading to Wedding’s capture, as he has been a fugitive since 2015. Earlier this year, the FBI added him to its list of ten most-wanted fugitives, a significant escalation in efforts to apprehend him.

Cartel Dynamics and Local Context

Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa, is known as the heart of cartel operations and has recently been embroiled in violent conflicts between rival factions. The ongoing war, intensified by the kidnapping of Ismael Zambada García by one of El Chapo’s sons in July 2024, has resulted in numerous casualties and the displacement of many families.

The cartel operative expressed skepticism about Wedding’s capabilities, stating that moving large quantities of cocaine, such as the 60 tonnes claimed by Bondi, would require significant local support and infrastructure. “I think it’s too large of a job for a Canadian,” he commented, highlighting the complexities of drug trafficking networks that extend from South America through Mexico and into North America and Europe.

Despite the chaos within the cartel, the operative suggested that Wedding is not under Sinaloa’s protection at this time, as the organization is focused on its internal conflicts. “The cartel is going through circumstances that could lead to its collapse,” he noted, reflecting on the violence and instability affecting operations.

Law Enforcement’s Stance

The heightened violence has prompted an increased presence of the Mexican military and federal police in Culiacán. Maj.-Gen. Julices Julián González Calzada, who oversees the National Guard in the region, stated that Wedding is not currently a priority for local law enforcement. “I honestly have very little information about him,” he remarked, emphasizing that the perception of Wedding largely originates from Canadian media rather than local intelligence.

The Sinaloa cartel has maintained a presence in Canada for over 25 years, involved in various drug trades. The operative revealed that despite challenges, the Canadian market remains lucrative, often fetching higher prices due to geographic factors. He characterized Canadian clients as “high-end,” indicating a distinct market dynamic compared to the U.S.

As authorities continue to pursue Wedding, the situation underscores the complexities of international drug trafficking and the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing organized crime. The ongoing narrative surrounding Ryan Wedding will likely evolve as both U.S. and Mexican authorities intensify their efforts to capture him and navigate the volatile landscape of cartel activity in the region.