Sinaloa Cartel Operative Claims U.S. Inflating Ryan Wedding’s Image

Allegations surrounding former Canadian Olympian Ryan Wedding take center stage as a Sinaloa cartel operative claims that the U.S. government is “inflating” his image as a drug kingpin. This assertion comes in light of ongoing investigations into Wedding’s alleged cocaine trafficking operations, which the U.S. authorities believe are being facilitated by the notorious Sinaloa cartel.

In an exclusive interview with CBC News conducted in northwestern Mexico, the operative stated that while the cartel has dealt with Canadian narcotics customers for over two decades, he only recently became aware of Wedding’s name through media coverage and social media. “His name has gone viral in these last few months; they say he’s the new Chapo,” the operative noted, referencing the infamous Joaquín Guzmán Loera, also known as El Chapo.

According to the U.S. Justice Department, Wedding, 44, is believed to reside in Mexico under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel, a significant player in global drug trafficking. The FBI has labeled Wedding as the new El Chapo, highlighting the potential scale of his operations. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has asserted that Wedding leads an organization responsible for transporting numerous tonnes of cocaine into the U.S. and Canada.

A reward of $15 million has been offered by the U.S. State Department for Wedding’s capture. He has been a fugitive since 2015 and was recently added to the FBI’s list of ten most-wanted fugitives.

Cartel Operative’s Insights

Seeking further insights into Wedding’s situation, CBC News secured an interview with the cartel operative, who requested anonymity for security reasons. The interview took place in a safe house located in Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa, a city known as the heart of the cartel’s operations. The ongoing conflict between rival factions has intensified in recent years, particularly following the 2024 kidnapping of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada García’s son, which has resulted in significant violence and displacement in the area.

During the interview, the operative claimed to provide “security” for his faction, admitting to some involvement in violent activities. He expressed skepticism regarding the allegations against Wedding, emphasizing that he doubts the former Olympian could operate independently. “I think it’s too large of a job for a Canadian,” he stated, noting the need for substantial local support to facilitate such operations.

In a recent media briefing, Attorney General Bondi mentioned that Wedding’s organization had moved up to 60 tonnes of cocaine into Los Angeles in a single year. The operative challenged this claim, suggesting that such volumes require a detailed understanding of the trafficking infrastructure extending from South America to North America.

Current Landscape and Law Enforcement Response

The Sinaloa cartel has long operated in Canada, dealing in various drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine. The operative highlighted that despite the challenges posed by fluctuating currency values, the Canadian market remains lucrative due to higher prices for drug products. He noted that organized crime dynamics in the U.S. have shifted, with increased theft among rival groups impacting operations.

Major General Julices Julián González Calzada, who oversees the Mexican National Guard in Sinaloa, stated that Wedding is not currently a focus for law enforcement in the region. “I haven’t had anything like that, nor do I have any information regarding the matter,” he said, emphasizing that local efforts are aimed at restoring peace in Culiacán.

As the situation surrounding Ryan Wedding continues to unfold, the interplay between law enforcement, cartel dynamics, and media portrayal raises questions about the reality of his alleged operations and the motivations behind the narratives being constructed.