Ecuador apprehends Fito, the country’s most wanted gang leader.

Jose Adolfo Macias, known as ‘Fito,’ the notorious leader of Ecuador’s Los Choneros gang, has been apprehended after an extensive manhunt lasting nearly 18 months, as confirmed by President Daniel Noboa. Macias had been on the run since his dramatic escape from a Guayaquil prison in January 2024, where he was serving a substantial 34-year sentence for serious offenses, including drug trafficking and murder.

In a decisive move following his recapture, Macias is set to be extradited to the United States, where he faces serious charges related to drug trafficking and firearms smuggling. President Noboa announced the development via the social media platform X, highlighting the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in successfully locating Macias. Noboa had previously pledged a reward of million for information leading to Macias’s capture and mobilized thousands of police and military personnel in the search for him.

Noboa expressed gratitude to the police and military forces that played crucial roles in the operation. He emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in Ecuador, stating, “More will fall; we will reclaim the country. No truce.” The president’s remarks reflect a determined stance amid growing concerns over rising violence associated with organized crime.

Macias’s escape coincided with his planned transfer to a high-security facility, leading to serious questions regarding how he managed to evade authorities. His flight triggered significant unrest across the nation, including riots, bomb threats, kidnappings, and even the assassination of a well-known prosecutor. In response to the heightened turmoil, President Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency, a strategic step aimed at stabilizing the nation.

The Ecuadorian government has recognized 22 gangs, including Los Choneros, as “terrorist organizations,” an indication of the severe threat posed by these groups in the region. Additionally, the U.S. Department of the Treasury had imposed sanctions on both Macias and Los Choneros as early as February 2024 due to their roles in drug trafficking and lawlessness in Ecuador.

Historically considered one of Latin America’s more peaceful nations, Ecuador has unfortunately seen a surge in violence attributed to its geographic proximity to Peru and Colombia, well-known for being leading producers of cocaine. This situation has rendered the country an attractive market for operations orchestrated by various criminal groups, and competition among local gangs, influenced by international syndicates, continues to exacerbate the security crisis.

As Ecuador navigates these challenges, the collective efforts of law enforcement and government officials are crucial for restoring order and stability in the region.

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