FBI Confiscates Rare Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster in Investigation of Fugitive Ryan Wedding

Federal authorities have taken control of one of the most exclusive supercars ever made as they intensify their investigation into Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder accused of large-scale drug trafficking. The FBI confirmed it recovered a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster connected to Wedding and associates in his alleged criminal network.

With only six CLK GTR Roadsters ever produced globally, the seizure is considered extraordinary. Even the coupe model, which is already extremely rare, had only 20 units manufactured. The Roadster in question is valued at approximately $13 million, reflecting recent auction trends. In 2023, a coupe sold for over $10 million, underscoring the exceptional scarcity of these vehicles.

Authorities have not revealed exactly how Wedding obtained such a rare car. Federal filings describe his operation as having massive financial resources, allegedly moving over $1 billion in narcotics last year alone. The documents compare his trafficking network to notorious figures like Joaquin Guzman and Pablo Escobar.

As part of ongoing developments in the FBI's Giant Slalom investigation, targeting Ryan Wedding and his associates, the seizure of this 2002 Mercedes CLK GTR Roadster was officially announced. Wedding, who represented Canada in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics, is now accused of leading a drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting roughly 60 metric tons of cocaine annually from Mexico in collaboration with the Sinaloa cartel. He is currently on the FBIs Ten Most Wanted list, with a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. New indictments also claim he attempted to eliminate a federal witness before their testimony.

The future of the confiscated Roadster has not been disclosed, but government auctions are typically used for such vehicles. Given its extreme rarity and high value, collectors are expected to closely monitor any upcoming sale to see the final auction price.

Author: Riley Thompson