Ecuador's Most-Wanted Gang Leader Captured

Ecuador recaptures fugitive drug kingpin 'fito' after dramatic raid

His recapture is being hailed as a major security win for President Daniel Noboa’s administration as it struggles to contain spiraling gang violence across the country.

Ecuador recaptures gang leader wanted in U.S. more than a year after his prison escape

QUITO, Ecuador — A fugitive drug trafficker wanted by authorities in Ecuador and the United States was recaptured more than a year after he escaped from prison in the Andean nation, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced Wednesday.

“Most wanted” Ecuadorean gangster alias Fito captured

Ecuadorean authorities confirmed Wednesday that José Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias 'Fito,' leader of the 'Los Choneros' drug trafficking gang, who escaped from a Guayaquil prison in January 2024, has been recaptured.

Ecuador's most wanted drug lord 'Fito' captured in 'underground bunker'

The leader of Los Choneros gang, Adolfo Macías Villamar, had been on the run for 17 months.

Ecuador Captures Gang Leader ‘Fito’ Whose Prison Escape Set Off Violence

José Adolfo Macías, known as “Fito,” will be extradited to the U.S., where he is wanted on accusations of trafficking drugs and smuggling weapons, Ecuador’s president said.

Ecuador recaptures gang leader wanted in US more than a year after his prison escape

José Adolfo Macías, alias “Fito,” who led a gang called “Los Choneros” in Ecuador and has been indicted in New York City on charges he imported thousands of pounds of cocaine into the United States, was captured in the Ecuadorian city of Manta, his hometown, officials in Ecuador said.