Adolfo Macías Villamar, the leader of the Los Choneros gang, has been extradited to the United States to confront serious drug trafficking charges. His capture comes amid a chaotic crime wave in Ecuador, as the country grapples with its rising murder rates linked to drug trade activities.
Ecuador's Notorious Drug Lord 'Fito' Extradited to the U.S. Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Ecuador's Notorious Drug Lord 'Fito' Extradited to the U.S. Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Adolfo Macías Villamar, also known as 'Fito', faces drug trafficking and arms charges in the U.S. following his capture after escaping prison.
The powerful Ecuadorean gang leader Adolfo Macías Villamar, infamously known as "Fito," has been extradited to the United States where he faces significant charges related to drug and arms trafficking. His extradition marks the culmination of a tense period following his recapture in June, nearly one year after he escaped from a high-security prison term where he was serving a 34-year sentence for various crimes.
Fito’s lawyer, Alexei Schacht, stated that his client is scheduled to appear in a U.S. federal court on Monday, where he will declare not guilty to the international charges. Macías led Los Choneros, a gang notorious for its connections with powerful criminal organizations from Mexico and the Balkans. He is also implicated in orchestrating the assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023.
As gangs like Los Choneros have contributed to a transformation of Ecuador into a nation grappling with one of the highest murder rates in Latin America, the country’s strategic geographical location between Colombia and Peru—two of the world's largest cocaine producers—has made it a significant hub for drug trafficking. Currently, it is estimated that over 70% of the world's cocaine flows through Ecuador.
The police managed to locate Macías in June, discovering him hidden in an underground bunker situated beneath a luxury residence in Manta. Following his capture, President Daniel Noboa applauded the security forces' efforts, signaling a strong stance on crime and violence. Noboa later announced the decision to extradite Macías, which came after Ecuadorians voted in favor of allowing the extradition of citizens in a referendum he initiated.
As Ecuador confronts increasing crime rates, Noboa has suggested a coalition with foreign military forces from the U.S., Europe, and Brazil, to combat the escalating gang violence. His administration emphasizes a "war" against criminal organizations, as drug trafficking remains a pressing issue for the South American nation.
