Fito Arrested: Capture of Ecuador’s Most Wanted Criminal
- Ecuadorian security forces have rearrested adolfo Macías, also known as "Fito," one of the nation's most risky criminals.
- Macías, the leader of the "Choneros" gang, had escaped from a guayaquil prison in January 2024, triggering a wave of unprecedented violence across Ecuador.
- The role of drug trafficking and organized crime became evident after Macías's escape.
Ecuador has recaptured Adolfo Macías, alias “Fito,” teh notorious leader of the “Choneros” gang, in a major victory against organized crime. This capture, announced by President Daniel Noboa, comes after his January 2024 prison escape, which unleashed a wave of violence and instability across ecuador. Fito’s critically important role in drug trafficking and organized crime fueled the surge in unrest. He faces extradition to the U.S. on arms and cocaine trafficking charges. Prior to his escape, he was serving a lengthy sentence for organized crime and murder. Keep up to date on the most current news with News Directory 3. Learn about the ongoing investigations and what this means for Ecuador’s fight against drug trafficking. Discover what’s next …
Ecuadorian Drug Kingpin ‘Fito’ Recaptured After Prison escape
Updated June 26, 2025
2025. (HANDOUT / AFP)
Ecuadorian security forces have rearrested adolfo Macías, also known as “Fito,” one of the nation’s most
risky criminals. President Daniel Noboa announced the capture, which took place Wednesday in the port city
of Manta, about 220 miles southwest of Quito.
Macías, the leader of the “Choneros” gang, had escaped from a guayaquil prison in January 2024, triggering a
wave of unprecedented violence across Ecuador. The escape led to numerous deaths and prompted Noboa to declare
the country in a state of “internal armed conflict,” deploying the military to neutralize around 20 criminal
groups.
The role of drug trafficking and organized crime became evident after Macías’s escape. The
role he played in the Choneros gang was important, as his actions directly influenced the surge in
violence and instability within the nation. The drug trafficking operations linked to his gang have had a
profound impact on Ecuador’s security and governance.
Prior to his escape, Macías’s name surfaced following the August 2023 assassination of presidential candidate
Fernando Villavicencio. Before his death, villavicencio, an ex-journalist and lawmaker, reported receiving
death threats from the Choneros leader.
Noboa has initiated procedures for macías’s extradition to the U.S.,where he faces charges of arms and
cocaine trafficking in New York.Before his escape, “Fito” was serving a 34-year sentence for organized crime,
drug trafficking, and murder, dating back to 2011.
What’s next
The extradition process is underway, and ecuadorian authorities are working with the U.S. to ensure a smooth
transfer. Further investigations into the Choneros gang’s operations are expected to continue, aiming to
dismantle their network and prevent future violence.