Ecuador’s Most-Wanted Gang Leader ‘Fito’ Captured, President Noboa Confirms
Ecuador’s President Noboa announced the capture of gang leader ‘Fito,’ who escaped in 2024. His absence fueled violence, leading to a state of emergency. U.S. authorities have charges against him, and if convicted, he faces life imprisonment.
QUITO — A significant development occurred Wednesday in Ecuador as President Daniel Noboa announced the capture of the nation’s most-wanted fugitive, Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar, commonly known as ‘Fito.’ This notorious gang leader of Los Choneros had been on the run for over a year after escaping from prison, an escape that ignited a distressing wave of violence across the nation.
In a post on X, President Noboa stated, “We have done our part to proceed with Fito’s extradition to the United States, we are awaiting their response.” Currently, Macias Villamar is facing serious legal trouble, with U.S. prosecutors alleging seven counts against him, which include charges for cocaine distribution and conspiracy, alongside firearms-related felonies, such as weapons smuggling.
The circumstances surrounding Fito’s 2024 escape are particularly alarming. At the time, Macias Villamar was a suspect in the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, who was murdered in Quito in August of last year. Following his escape, Ecuador experienced a spike in gang violence, resulting in approximately 20 casualties in only a few days.
In response to this chaos, President Noboa had to declare a state of emergency in nearly one-third of the country’s provinces. While the search for the drug lord was unfolding for months, it was not until Wednesday that authorities confirm his apprehension by special military forces dedicated to combating narcotics trafficking.
Macias Villamar’s Los Choneros gang is notorious in Ecuador, a country grappling with rampant organized crime. The gang has been linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, effectively managing critical drug trafficking channels between South America and the United States. The Ecuadorian government even offered a substantial $1 million reward for information leading to his capture. If convicted, Fito faces the grim possibility of a life sentence in prison.
In summary, the recapture of gang leader ‘Fito’ marks a significant point in Ecuador’s ongoing battle against organized crime and gang violence. His escape last year led to widespread violence and prompted government measures, including a state of emergency. Fito’s status and potential extradition to the U.S. will be closely monitored as the situation continues to develop, highlighting the intricate relationship between local and international criminal activities.
Original Source: globalnation.inquirer.net
