Ecuador's Most Wanted Drug Lord Recaptured in Undercover Operation
Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias 'Fito', apprehended after years on the run following his escape from prison.
Police in Ecuador have successfully recaptured Adolfo Macías Villamar, also known as 'Fito,' a prominent drug lord and leader of the powerful Los Choneros gang.
Renowned for transforming Ecuador into one of the most dangerous countries in South America, the capture of Fito marks a significant victory in the nation's ongoing battle against organized crime.Macías is believed to be responsible for orchestrating various criminal activities, including the murder of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023.
His gang, Los Choneros, has been linked with the Sinaloa cartel, leading to a surge in violent crimes such as decapitations and mutilations within Ecuador's borders.Fito's capture took place after a meticulous 10-hour operation involving police and military forces.
The operation centered on an underground bunker hidden beneath a luxury home in Manta, which served as Fito's clandestine hideout.
The bunker was equipped with essential amenities, including air conditioning, a bed, a fan, and a refrigerator.Following his arrest, Fito was transported to La Roca maximum-security prison in Guayaquil, where he awaits extradition to the United States on charges of cocaine smuggling.
President Daniel Noboa praised the successful operation, emphasizing that it showcases the government's commitment to combating gang activities and regaining control over the country.
Noboa also mentioned plans to strengthen anti-gang laws further.Fito's recapture comes after a high-profile escape from La Regional prison in Guayaquil in January 2024, which triggered widespread violence and prompted President Noboa to declare a state of emergency.
This incident underscored the dangerous influence Los Choneros has over Ecuador's criminal landscape, with Fito maintaining control of the gang even while incarcerated.His leadership within the Los Choneros gang has seen an expansion in criminal operations, including drug trafficking and extortion.
Fito's rise to power followed the death of the previous gang leader, allowing him to solidify his position and further extend his influence across Ecuador and its borders.This recent capture serves as a testament to the government's efforts to dismantle powerful criminal organizations and restore public safety throughout the country.
Renowned for transforming Ecuador into one of the most dangerous countries in South America, the capture of Fito marks a significant victory in the nation's ongoing battle against organized crime.Macías is believed to be responsible for orchestrating various criminal activities, including the murder of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023.
His gang, Los Choneros, has been linked with the Sinaloa cartel, leading to a surge in violent crimes such as decapitations and mutilations within Ecuador's borders.Fito's capture took place after a meticulous 10-hour operation involving police and military forces.
The operation centered on an underground bunker hidden beneath a luxury home in Manta, which served as Fito's clandestine hideout.
The bunker was equipped with essential amenities, including air conditioning, a bed, a fan, and a refrigerator.Following his arrest, Fito was transported to La Roca maximum-security prison in Guayaquil, where he awaits extradition to the United States on charges of cocaine smuggling.
President Daniel Noboa praised the successful operation, emphasizing that it showcases the government's commitment to combating gang activities and regaining control over the country.
Noboa also mentioned plans to strengthen anti-gang laws further.Fito's recapture comes after a high-profile escape from La Regional prison in Guayaquil in January 2024, which triggered widespread violence and prompted President Noboa to declare a state of emergency.
This incident underscored the dangerous influence Los Choneros has over Ecuador's criminal landscape, with Fito maintaining control of the gang even while incarcerated.His leadership within the Los Choneros gang has seen an expansion in criminal operations, including drug trafficking and extortion.
Fito's rise to power followed the death of the previous gang leader, allowing him to solidify his position and further extend his influence across Ecuador and its borders.This recent capture serves as a testament to the government's efforts to dismantle powerful criminal organizations and restore public safety throughout the country.
