Ecuador Captures Top Gang Leader ‘Fito
- Jose Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito," the leader of the Los Choneros gang, has been apprehended, according to Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa.
- Macias escaped from a Guayaquil prison in January 2024, while serving a 34-year sentence for murder and drug trafficking.His recapture now paves the way for his extradition to...
- Noboa announced on X, formerly Twitter, that Macias will face charges in the U.S.
Ecuador has recaptured Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as “fito,” leader of the Los Choneros gang, after he spent nearly 18 months on the run.The notorious drug kingpin, who escaped from prison in January 2024, now faces extradition to the United States on drug trafficking and weapons smuggling charges. President Daniel Noboa confirmed the arrest, marking a significant victory in Ecuador’s fight against organized crime and a bold step toward reclaiming the country from criminal elements. The U.S.Treasury Department previously sanctioned Macias and the Los Choneros for their role in violence. News Directory 3 provides comprehensive coverage of this developing story. What are the implications for Ecuador’s fight against gang violence? Discover what’s next in this critical situation.
Ecuador Recaptures ‘Fito,’ Faces U.S. Extradition on Drug Charges
Jose Adolfo Macias, alias “Fito,” the leader of the Los Choneros gang, has been apprehended, according to Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa. Macias, a notorious drug kingpin, had been on the run for nearly 18 months.
Macias escaped from a Guayaquil prison in January 2024, while serving a 34-year sentence for murder and drug trafficking.His recapture now paves the way for his extradition to the United States.
Noboa announced on X, formerly Twitter, that Macias will face charges in the U.S. related to drug trafficking and firearms smuggling. The Ecuadorian president had previously offered a $1 million reward for data leading to Macias’s arrest.
The U.S. Treasury Department had previously sanctioned Macias and Los Choneros in February 2024 for instigating violence and drug trafficking.Ecuador, once a peaceful nation, has seen a surge in violence due to its location between major cocaine producers, Colombia and Peru. This proximity has made it a target for criminal organizations, leading to increased competition between local gangs and foreign cartels.
Macias’s escape in January 2024 triggered widespread unrest,including bombings,kidnappings,and attacks on media outlets,prompting Noboa to declare a state of emergency. He also designated 22 gangs, including Los Choneros, as terrorist groups.
For those who opposed and doubted the need for solidarity and intelligence laws: thanks to those laws, Fito was captured today and is in the hands of the security block.
My recognition to our police and military who participated in this operation. more will fall …
– Daniel Noble Azin (@danielnoboaok) June 25, 2025
What’s next
Macias’s extradition to the U.S. is pending, while ecuador continues its efforts to combat gang violence and restore order. The focus remains on dismantling criminal organizations and preventing further escalation of violence.