The United States is seeking the extradition of a Montreal resident accused of involvement in a murder conspiracy connected to a sprawling international drug-trafficking network allegedly led by former Canadian Olympian-turned-fugitive Ryan Wedding.
Atna Onha, 40, appeared in a Montreal courtroom on Tuesday following his arrest. Although Canadian authorities have released limited details, reports indicate the case may involve the killing of a man expected to testify against Wedding, who has been a fugitive for years and is believed to be hiding in Mexico. Wedding is the subject of a US$10-million reward and remains one of the FBI’s most-wanted fugitives.
Onha’s lawyer confirmed that U.S. officials formally requested his extradition but said she could not comment further pending direction from her client.
The hearing came just one day before senior RCMP leadership was scheduled to join American law-enforcement officials in Washington for an announcement on recent cross-border operations. While the specifics remain undisclosed, officials connected to the ongoing Wedding prosecution are expected to speak.
Wedding, who represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, is accused by U.S. prosecutors of leading an organized crime group that moved massive quantities of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and the United States before reaching Canada. Authorities also allege he orchestrated multiple murders and an attempted killing in Southern Ontario. He was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list earlier this year.
Reports suggest Onha is suspected of murdering Jonathan Acebedo-Garcia, a former associate of Wedding, in Colombia earlier this year. Justice Canada confirmed the arrest, stating that Onha is wanted in California to face charges including conspiracy to commit murder.
Onha has a past criminal history in Quebec, including drug-related charges from 2012, though earlier evidence in that case was dismissed due to violations of Charter rights.
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Law-enforcement agencies in Canada and the United States have declined to comment on the latest arrest or the status of the broader investigation. Previous joint operations have alleged that Wedding has received protection from the Sinaloa cartel, which was recently classified as a terrorist organization by both governments.
Last year, U.S. prosecutors formally charged Wedding and several alleged accomplices in California, and additional updates are expected from federal officials this week.
Onha’s court appearance was conducted via video link, where he was charged with murder conspiracy and conspiracy to traffic drugs. His next hearing has been scheduled for February. None of the allegations have been proven in court.
Meanwhile, several Ontario truck drivers are also fighting extradition to the United States over claims they helped move cocaine for the same network. Lawyers involved in those cases continue to seek additional disclosures, including the identity of a cooperating witness.
