Leader of Ecuador's most wanted gang apprehended

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa has announced the recapture of the country's most-wanted fugitive, Los Choneros gang leader 'Fito' (real name Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar), over a year after his escape from prison.


Fito's escape in January 2024 led to a significant increase in gang-related violence, resulting in a 60-day state of emergency in nearly a third of Ecuador's provinces. US prosecutors have charged him with seven counts of cocaine distribution, conspiracy, and firearms-related crimes, including weapons smuggling. President Noboa is now awaiting the US response for Fito's extradition. The capture was made by special military forces focusing on narcotics trafficking in the western city of Manta, known as a stronghold for the gang.