The seized Mercedes CLK GTR Roadster sits under bright inspection lights, showing exactly why collectors call it one of the greatest unicorns ever built. | Source: FBI Los angeles
A 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, among the most exclusive supercars ever built, has turned up in the FBI’s investigation of alleged drug trafficker and Top Ten Fugitive Ryan Wedding. Agents located the multimillion-dollar car during new progress in the “Giant Slalom” probe.
The agency stated that the CLK GTR Roadster, valued at about $13 million, belonged to Wedding or his associates. That figure aligns with recent market activity: another CLK GTR sold for $10.2 million in 2023, and the Roadster version almost never appears for public sale. For investigators, this ranks among the most striking vehicle recoveries linked to a criminal case in years.
Before examining the car’s next chapter, the scale of Wedding’s alleged operation provides important context.
How Large was Ryan Wedding’s Criminal Operation
Prosecutors say Wedding’s enterprise generated extraordinary amounts of money. They believe he moved over $1 billion worth of narcotics in a single year and trafficked about 60 metric tons of cocaine annually. New indictments also accuse him of ordering the murder of a federal witness. Authorities compare his reach to that of well-known cartel leaders such as Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and Pablo Escobar.
Wedding, a Canadian and former 2002 Olympic snowboarder, shifted into the drug trade once his athletic career ended. The FBI places him in Mexico working with the Sinaloa cartel and now offers a $15 million reward for his arrest.
What Happens to Seized Supercars Like Ryan Wedding’s?
When federal agents confiscate high-value assets, they often follow procedures similar to other major governments. A recent example comes from the United Kingdom, where authorities are auctioning luxury cars once owned by convicted fraudster Anopkumar Muadhoo. The sale, handled by Wilsons Auctions, features a Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato, an Aston Martin Vantage, and other cars. All were sold with no reserve, giving buyers a chance to purchase rare models far below typical market prices.
The United States follows similar practices, sending seized vehicles to public auctions once cases conclude. This makes it likely that the CLK GTR Roadster will appear at a major federal sale when the legal process is complete, and collectors will be watching closely.
Still, beyond this headline car seizure, the chase for Ryan Wedding pushes on—and enthusiasts are openly wondering what other valuable cars he has stashed in a storage unit or another garage.
