The FBI confirms a South Florida man is linked to international drug smuggling

MIAMI — The FBI confirmed Thursday that a South Florida man is linked to a massive international drug smuggling operation that was dismantled earlier this week, with authorities revealing new details about the case.

The man, identified as Nahim Bonilla, was arrested in Aventura in connection with the drug ring that spanned several countries and was allegedly involved in several murders.

The focus of the operation is Ryan Weddinga former Canadian Olympic snowboarder who authorities say ran the drug enterprise for 13 years.

During one Press conference in Los Angeles On Thursday, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada described the group as extremely dangerous, citing its involvement in several killings aimed at eliminating rivals.

While Bonilla and several others were taken into custody, authorities said four suspects, including Wedding, remained at large.

The FBI searched Bonilla's $4.8 million home in Aventura's exclusive Island Estates neighborhood early Wednesday morning.

“We woke up at 6 a.m. to the FBI loudly telling us that someone should go outside with their hands up,” a neighbor said.

FBI Special Agent Krysti Hawkins said from Los Angeles that there were a total of 12 arrests in Florida, Michigan, Canada, Colombia and Mexico.

During the raids, investigators seized large amounts of cocaine, weapons, ammunition, cash and cryptocurrencies worth over $3 million.

Authorities believe the group was responsible for the deaths of two Canadian family members killed in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment in a case of mistaken identity, as well as two other murders.

A neighbor said he and his wife heard everything during the raid from their 28th-floor apartment. “We were scared. We thought it was gunshots,” his wife added.

Four suspects remain on the run, including Ryan Wedding, who US authorities say organized the transport of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico, the US and Canada.

The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Wedding's arrest and extradition.