**Ecuadorian Authorities Capture Notorious Drug Kingpin "Fito" in Major Operation**

The capture marks a significant victory for security forces amidst ongoing struggles against gang violence.

In a dramatic 10-hour operation, Ecuadorean police have successfully captured the country’s most wanted drug lord, Adolfo Macías Villamar, widely known as "Fito." The apprehension took place in a sophisticated underground bunker concealed beneath a luxury dwelling in Manta, indicating the lengths to which criminal organizations will go to evade law enforcement. Fito, who leads the notorious Los Choneros gang, has been implicated in escalating violence across Ecuador, transforming the country from a tourist hotspot to one grappling with significantly high murder rates. His involvement in the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023 drew considerable media scrutiny and heightened tensions.

Utilizing a combination of monitoring and strategic deployment, the police, aided by military forces, surrounded the clandestine hideout. Upon breaching the property, they discovered a trap door that led to Fito's well-equipped underground hideaway, complete with air conditioning and leisure facilities. Fito, who reportedly put up no resistance during his capture, was swiftly airlifted to Guayaquil, a city known for housing some of Ecuador's most secure prisons.

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa hailed the successful operation, asserting that Fito’s capture demonstrated the efficacy of security policies aiming to curb organized crime. Following his previous escape from prison in January 2024, which led to deadly riots and a state of emergency, Fito's notoriety grew. While incarcerated, he continued to orchestrate gang activities, enhancing Los Choneros' connections with Mexico's Sinaloa cartel. Commentators observe that this partnership has introduced horrific tactics to the Ecuadorian drug landscape, such as grisly executions and mutilations.

Fito's criminal saga, culminating in his recent recapture, underscores the challenges faced by President Noboa’s administration, which came into power with commitments to combat escalating gang influence. Noboa announced that Fito would be extradited to the United States, where he faces charges related to cocaine smuggling, intensifying federal focus on his criminal operations. The apprehension of Fito marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against organized crime in Ecuador, as authorities pledge to restore law and order amid an escalating internal conflict.