In a significant development for law enforcement in Ecuador, Adolfo Macías Villamar, better known as "Fito," has been captured after evading authorities for an extended period. Fito, the notorious head of the Los Choneros gang, has been linked to the surge in violent crime throughout the country, transforming Ecuador from a peaceful tourist destination to a focal point of drug-related violence. This criminal figure is under suspicion for orchestrating the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023.
Police managed to track Fito to an underground bunker disguised beneath a luxurious residence in Manta. The ten-hour operation involved both military and police forces who deftly surrounded the property, leading to the discovery of a cleverly concealed trapdoor that descended into his underground sanctum. The hideout was equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, a bed, and even a refrigerator, illustrating the lengths to which Fito went to maintain his lifestyle while in hiding.
Following his capture, authorities transported him to Guayaquil, a city housing some of the country’s largest penitentiaries. Given Fito's history of escaping custody—including a high-profile prison break earlier this year—security measures were tightened significantly during his transfer. Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa hailed the operation as a victory for domestic security measures, emphasizing that Fito's extradition is forthcoming as he faces charges in the United States for drug smuggling.
Fito's rise to power is steeped in violence and notoriety—he gained control of Los Choneros after the previous leader was killed while he was serving a lengthy prison term on murder and drug trafficking charges. Even while incarcerated, he was able to manage his gang’s ventures in various illicit activities including extortion. Furthermore, his alignment with Mexico's Sinaloa cartel has intensified the brutal tactics employed by his gang, leading to horrific acts such as decapitations which echo the violent practices seen in Mexico.
The Ecuadorean government has been under fire for its handling of gang violence, particularly after Fito's dramatic escape sparked nationwide unrest including deadly prison riots. Noboa, who came into power promising a crackdown on gangs, sees the apprehension of Fito as a crucial step towards re-establishing law and order within the nation. The president expressed optimism that such strategies would eventually lead to the downfall of more drug lords and the aversion of control by criminal factions in Ecuador.
