Ecuadorian authorities have successfully recaptured José Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias "Fito," the notorious leader of the Los Choneros gang, ending a 17-month nationwide manhunt. Macías was apprehended on June 25, 2025, in his hometown of Manta, where he was found hiding beneath a kitchen counter in an urban residence.
Macías had been serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking and organized crime when he escaped from Guayaquil Regional Prison in January 2024. His escape triggered a wave of violence across Ecuador, including prison riots, attacks on public institutions, and a surge in homicides, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare a state of emergency and mobilize military forces to restore order.
Known for his influence even behind bars, Macías reportedly lived in relative luxury during his incarceration, with access to contraband items and the ability to orchestrate criminal activities from within the prison system.
In April 2025, a federal court in Brooklyn, New York, unsealed a seven-count indictment against Macías, charging him with international cocaine distribution, firearms trafficking, and conspiracy. The indictment alleges that under Macías's leadership, Los Choneros collaborated with Mexican cartels to smuggle large quantities of cocaine into the United States and engaged in violent acts against law enforcement and civilians.
Ecuadorian officials have confirmed that Macías will be extradited to the United States to face these charges. His capture is seen as a significant victory in the country's ongoing battle against organized crime and drug trafficking.
The recapture of "Fito" underscores the challenges Ecuador faces in combating powerful criminal organizations and the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational crime.
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