Ecuador recaptures notorious gang leader “Fito” hiding in a kitchen hole – now faces extradition to the US after his escape sparked unprecedented violence, forcing the nation into a desperate state of emergency.
Key Takeaways
- José Adolfo Macías “Fito,” leader of Ecuador’s Los Choneros gang, was recaptured on June 25, 2024, after escaping prison in January and triggering nationwide violence.
- His escape led to riots, bombings, kidnappings, and a television station attack, forcing President Daniel Noboa to declare a 60-day state of emergency.
- Fito was serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking and murder when he escaped, and now faces extradition to the US on additional charges.
- Ecuador has designated 22 criminal organizations, including Los Choneros, as “terrorist groups” in response to the escalating violence.
- The gang leader was found hiding in a small hole beneath a kitchen counter in a house basement, ending his 18-month fugitive status.
Violent Aftermath of a Prison Break
When José Adolfo Macías, known as “Fito,” escaped from Guayaquil prison in January 2024, Ecuador descended into chaos. As leader of the powerful Los Choneros gang, his disappearance triggered unprecedented violence across the country. The escape went unnoticed until authorities attempted to transfer him to a maximum-security facility, revealing significant failures in Ecuador’s prison system. President Daniel Noboa was forced to declare a 60-day state of emergency as the nation reeled from bombings, riots, and kidnappings orchestrated by Fito’s criminal network.
The criminal rampage that followed Fito’s escape demonstrated the extraordinary power wielded by gang leaders within Ecuador. The violence included the assassination of a prominent prosecutor and an armed attack on a television network during a live broadcast. These brazen acts of terrorism left Ecuadorians living in fear and highlighted how deeply criminal organizations have infiltrated the country’s institutions. The government’s response included labeling 22 gangs, including Los Choneros, as terrorist organizations, giving authorities broader powers to combat the criminal insurgency.
Capture and International Implications
After more than 18 months on the run, Fito’s freedom came to an abrupt end on June 25, 2024. Ecuadorian authorities found the gang leader hiding in an undignified manner – crouched in a small hole beneath a kitchen counter in a house basement in Manta, Ecuador. President Noboa wasted no time announcing the high-profile capture, making it clear that Fito would face justice not only in Ecuador but also in the United States. The government had recently increased the reward for information leading to his capture to $1 million, demonstrating their determination to end his reign of terror.
“Jose Adolfo Macias, alias ‘Fito’, is due to be extradited to the US on drug trafficking and weapons smuggling charges. My recognition to our police and military who participated in this operation. More will fall, we will reclaim the country. No truce,” said President Daniel Noboa.
The international dimensions of Fito’s criminal enterprise became clear in February 2024 when the US Department of Treasury sanctioned both him and Los Choneros for their extensive drug trafficking operations. According to US authorities, the gang operated “a vast network responsible for the shipment and distribution of multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico to the United States and elsewhere.” Ecuador’s strategic location near major cocaine-producing countries has made it a crucial transit point for narcotics destined for North American markets.
A Criminal Empire Exposed
Fito’s criminal career reveals the extent of corruption within Ecuador’s prison system. While incarcerated, he maintained his grip on power, holding parties and enjoying luxuries unavailable to ordinary inmates. He even released video messages to the Ecuadorian public, demonstrating his continued influence despite his incarceration. This cultivated a disturbing cult status among both gang members and segments of the public, further complicating Ecuador’s security situation. His 34-year sentence for drug trafficking and murder didn’t diminish his control over criminal operations.
“Los Choneros operated a vast network responsible for the shipment and distribution of multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico to the United States and elsewhere,” stated the indictment against Macías.
The charges awaiting Fito in the United States paint a picture of a sophisticated criminal enterprise with international reach. His indictment includes charges of international cocaine distribution, conspiracy, and weapons smuggling from the US to Ecuador. US Attorney John Durham described Los Choneros as a “network of assassins and drug and weapon traffickers,” highlighting the threat they pose not just to Ecuador but to regional security. The gang’s connections to Mexican cartels have facilitated their operations and amplified their violent impact throughout Latin America.
