US EditionEcuador Captures 'Fito', Leader of Los Choneros Gang
- Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced the recapture of Jose Adolfo Macias, aka Fito, the leader of Los Choneros, on June 26, 2025, in Manta.
- In early 2024, Fito broke out of Guayaquil Regional Prison amid violent disturbances, sparking gang conflicts and leading authorities to impose emergency measures lasting two months in certain areas of Ecuador.
- Macias, sentenced to 34 years in 2011 for drug trafficking and murder, was found hiding in a hole beneath a kitchen counter during a 10-hour military operation.
- The government announced a reward of $1 million for information leading to Fito's capture, with Noboa indicating on social media that they are awaiting a response from the US regarding extradition requests.
- Macias's recapture may weaken Los Choneros, a gang labeled terrorist by Ecuador and classified as highly violent by the US, suggesting intensified efforts against organized crime.
211 Articles
211 Articles
The Fall of Fito: What It Means — and Doesn’t — for Ecuador’s Underworld
The Fall of Fito: What It Means — and Doesn’t — for Ecuador’s Underworld Ecuadorian security forces captured the country’s most notorious criminal leader in a crucial — though largely symbolic — win in its “war on gangs.” A joint operation by police and military on June 25 led to the capture of Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias “Fito,” leader of the Choneros, one of Ecuador’s top drug trafficking groups. SEE ALSO: The US Just Unsealed Drugs and Wea…
The legend of the drug trafficker ‘Fito’, Ecuador’s most wanted criminal leader who has a narco-corrido and two prison escapes in his history, added a new chapter as he was recaptured this Wednesday after almost a year and a half at large. José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as ‘Fito’ or ‘El León’, was serving a 34-year prison sentence for various crimes, including drug trafficking, murder and organized crime before his silent escape in January 2…
José Adolfo Macías Villamar alias Fito, leader of Los Choneros, was captured in Manta after a ten-hour operation.
The sponsor had escaped in January 2024, he should be extradited to the United States. ...
The gang chief "Fito" had escaped from a prison. After 17 months, the police found him in a bunker. His little daughter was reported to have accidentally betrayed the hiding place.
Ecuador recaptures most-wanted drug lord 'Fito' after year-long manhunt
Ecuadorean authorities have recaptured the country's most-wanted fugitive, drug lord José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as "Fito," following a dramatic 10-hour operation that ended more than a year on the run.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
