Ecuador’s Most Wanted Drug Lord Recaptured After Year-Long Manhunt

Ecuadorian police and military have recaptured José Adolfo Macías, known as “Fito,” the leader of the country’s most powerful criminal gang, Los Choneros.

Authorities found him hiding in his hometown after searching for more than a year. President Daniel Noboa confirmed the arrest and praised the officers involved.

Fito escaped from a high-security prison in Guayaquil in January 2024. His disappearance led to chaos across Ecuador. Gangs rioted in prisons, armed men stormed a TV station, and violence broke out in several cities.

The government declared a state of emergency and used the military to restore order. Fito had been serving a 34-year sentence for murder and drug trafficking. Even while in prison, he continued to control Los Choneros.

The gang has trafficked drugs, mainly cocaine, from South America to the United States for decades. U.S. officials say Los Choneros worked with Mexican cartels and used weapons smuggled from the United States.

After Fito escaped, Ecuador offered a $1 million reward for information leading to his capture. The United States also imposed sanctions on him and his gang, blaming them for much of the violence in Ecuador since 2020.

Now that Fito is back in custody, Ecuador has asked the United States to extradite him. He faces drug and weapons charges in a New York federal court. Officials hope this arrest will help reduce violence and weaken the power of criminal gangs in Ecuador.

This story matters because it shows the serious impact organized crime has on countries like Ecuador. It also highlights the need for strong action and international cooperation to fight drug trafficking and gang violence.