Former Olympian and accused drug lord likely still has access to ‘network of hitmen,’ U.S. authorities say

United States prosecutors are seeking a protective order for witnesses in the case against former Canadian Olympic snowboarder and accused drug lord Ryan Wedding, saying he is presumed to still have access to a “network of hitmen” while he remains at large.Mr. Wedding, 43, is accused of leading a Canada-based international drug-trafficking ring and ordering several killings, according to a superseding indictment involving 16 defendants unsealed in October. Eight Canadian suspects were taken into custody in October to face charges of acting as his accomplices.Authorities say the organization shipped tons of cocaine across the continent.