The fugitive leader of Ecuador’s notorious Los Choneros gang, Jose Adolfo Macias, known as “Fito,” has been captured after nearly 18 months on the run. President Daniel Noboa announced the news, confirming that Macias was apprehended following a significant manhunt.
Macias escaped from a prison in Guayaquil in January 2024. At the time of his escape, he was serving a lengthy 34-year sentence for serious crimes, including drug trafficking and murder. His escape sparked chaos in Ecuador, leading to riots, bombings, kidnappings, and the assassination of a prominent prosecutor. The unrest prompted President Noboa to declare a state of emergency for 60 days across the country.
Following his capture, Macias is set to be extradited to the United States. He faces serious charges there related to drug trafficking and firearms smuggling. President Noboa had previously offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Macias’s capture and deployed thousands of police and military personnel to assist in the search.
In a message on social media, Noboa expressed his gratitude to the police and military for their efforts in the operation. He emphasized that more gang leaders will be targeted as part of his administration’s commitment to reclaiming safety in Ecuador.
Macias’s escape raised questions about prison security, especially since he reportedly fled just before a planned transfer to a maximum-security facility. The U.S. government noted that his escape triggered significant violence and unrest, leading to the designation of 22 gangs, including Los Choneros, as terrorist organizations.
Ecuador, once known for its relative peace, has seen a surge in violence due to its geographic proximity to Colombia and Peru, the world’s leading cocaine producers. This has made the country an attractive location for drug trafficking and has fueled competition among various criminal gangs, resulting in increased violence and instability.