Ecuadorian drug lord ‘Fito’ extradited to Brooklyn facing trafficking charges.

José Adolfo Macías Villamar, a prominent figure in international drug trafficking and the notorious leader of the Ecuadorian gang Los Choneros, has been extradited to Brooklyn to face serious charges involving drug trafficking and firearms. At 45 years old, Macías Villamar, commonly known by his alias “Fito,” has a history marked by infamy, including two successful prison escapes and a lifestyle that saw him thrive in luxury despite his criminal status. His extradition occurred late Sunday night, and he was arraigned in Brooklyn Federal Court on Monday.

Federal prosecutors have painted a grim picture of Macías Villamar’s activities, alleging that under his leadership, Los Choneros collaborated with powerful Mexican drug cartels, particularly the Sinaloa cartel. This partnership reportedly facilitated the transportation of large quantities of cocaine from Colombian suppliers, passing through Ecuador before reaching Mexican markets and ultimately entering the United States. The group has allegedly employed a network of heavily armed hitmen, or “sicarios,” alongside extensive bribery and corruption, to secure their operations and maintain territorial control.

Macías Villamar’s criminal trajectory reflects a notorious pattern, reminiscent of well-known figures like El Chapo. After being convicted in 2011 and sentenced to 34 years in an Ecuadorian prison for drug-related offenses, he managed to orchestrate a daring escape in 2013 by overpowering fourteen prison guards. Following a brief recapture, he continued to exert authority from within the La Regional prison, reportedly using bribes and threats to eliminate rivals. He even recorded a music video within the prison walls, highlighting his defiance against Ecuadorian authorities.

A second escape occurred in January 2024, just before he was to be transferred to a maximum-security facility, which ignited widespread unrest and a state of emergency in Ecuador. Eighteen months later, he was apprehended in a luxurious hideout in Manta, where he lived with impressive comforts, including a pool and air conditioning.

Macías Villamar was indicted by a federal grand jury in Brooklyn on July 27, leading to his arraignment where he was ordered held without bail. His attorney has indicated that he requires ongoing medical attention, citing bullet fragments embedded in his body from past incidents. He is scheduled to return to court on September 19.

U.S. authorities, including U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, have emphasized the gravity of the situation, describing Macías Villamar as a principal leader of a violent and influential criminal organization responsible for flooding the United States and other nations with narcotics while achieving power through brutal methods. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of this case extend beyond individual culpability, reflecting broader concerns regarding transnational crime and drug trafficking.

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