Ecuador's president confirmed the arrest of gang leader "Fito," highlighting efforts for his extradition to the U.S. amid rising concerns over drug trafficking and gang violence.
Ecuador Apprehends Notorious Gang Leader, “Fito,” as U.S. Extradition Looms
Ecuador Apprehends Notorious Gang Leader, “Fito,” as U.S. Extradition Looms
José Adolfo Macías’ capture comes after a tumultuous escape that sparked widespread violence across Ecuador.
In a significant law enforcement achievement, Ecuadorian security forces captured José Adolfo Macías, infamously known as “Fito,” whose escape from the Guayaquil prison in early 2024 unleashed a wave of violence throughout the country. Announcing the arrest via social media, President Daniel Noboa stated, “We have done our part to proceed with Fito’s extradition to the United States. We are awaiting their response.” Fito is on the U.S. radar due to serious charges, including drug trafficking and weapon smuggling.
At the age of 45, Macías leads Los Choneros, a notorious gang identified as one of Ecuador's most violent criminal enterprises. Earlier this year, a U.S. attorney in New York indicted him on several counts, primarily focused on cocaine distribution. His dramatic prison break occurred during an attempted transfer to a maximum-security institution when authorities discovered he was missing, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency for 60 days. This situation led to catastrophic prison riots, escalating gang confrontations, kidnappings, and bomb attacks.
The U.S. Treasury had already imposed sanctions on Macías and his gang a month before the escape. He was eventually located hiding in an underground bunker in Manta, a coastal city approximately 120 miles from Guayaquil. Interior Minister John Reimberg disclosed that security footage captured the strategic operation by Ecuadorian police and military forces, showing a gaunt Macías captured and taken into custody.
The footage reveals him being escorted to an armored vehicle and later put onto an Air Force plane bound for Guayaquil, clad in casual attire. His capture comes at a time when President Noboa has been vocal about his agenda to combat the violent gangs that threaten national security. “More will fall; we will reclaim the country. No truce,” Noboa proclaimed on social media, reflecting his commitment to restoring order. The U.S. Embassy acknowledged this capture in a congratulatory message, marking a significant moment in Ecuador's ongoing battle against organized crime.
At the age of 45, Macías leads Los Choneros, a notorious gang identified as one of Ecuador's most violent criminal enterprises. Earlier this year, a U.S. attorney in New York indicted him on several counts, primarily focused on cocaine distribution. His dramatic prison break occurred during an attempted transfer to a maximum-security institution when authorities discovered he was missing, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency for 60 days. This situation led to catastrophic prison riots, escalating gang confrontations, kidnappings, and bomb attacks.
The U.S. Treasury had already imposed sanctions on Macías and his gang a month before the escape. He was eventually located hiding in an underground bunker in Manta, a coastal city approximately 120 miles from Guayaquil. Interior Minister John Reimberg disclosed that security footage captured the strategic operation by Ecuadorian police and military forces, showing a gaunt Macías captured and taken into custody.
The footage reveals him being escorted to an armored vehicle and later put onto an Air Force plane bound for Guayaquil, clad in casual attire. His capture comes at a time when President Noboa has been vocal about his agenda to combat the violent gangs that threaten national security. “More will fall; we will reclaim the country. No truce,” Noboa proclaimed on social media, reflecting his commitment to restoring order. The U.S. Embassy acknowledged this capture in a congratulatory message, marking a significant moment in Ecuador's ongoing battle against organized crime.
