The capture highlights President Noboa's commitment to combatting drug trafficking and gang violence in the country.
**Ecuadorian Authorities Capture Infamous Drug Lord Known as “Fito”**
**Ecuadorian Authorities Capture Infamous Drug Lord Known as “Fito”**
Ecuador’s drug lord Adolfo Macías Villamar apprehended in luxurious underground hideout, marking a significant win against organized crime.
Ecuador's law enforcement has successfully captured Adolfo Macías Villamar, infamously known as "Fito," previously dubbed the nation's most wanted fugitive. Leading the Los Choneros gang, he has been a central figure in the rise of drug-related violence and crime in Ecuador, transforming the country from a once-popular tourist destination into an area grappling with one of the highest murder rates in Latin America. Fito is also implicated in orchestrating the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023.
Authorities located him in an underground bunker beneath a posh home in Manta. The operation, which lasted 10 hours and involved coordinated efforts from both police and military units, was executed without any shots fired. Officers discreetly surrounded the three-story dwelling in the Monterrey district, finally uncovering a sliding trap door disguised as part of the flooring, which led down to his private bunker. This hideout was equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, a bed, a fan, and even a refrigerator.
Fito showed no resistance when apprehended and was flown to Guayaquil, a port city home to some of Ecuador’s most secure prisons. Visuals from his arrival depict him dressed casually in shorts, a T-shirt, and flip flops, as armed guards escorted him to an awaiting vehicle for transfer to La Roca prison.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa hailed the successful operation as a victory for the security forces and indicated plans to extradite Fito to the United States, where he faces charges related to drug smuggling. Fito had previously evaded capture, escaping from La Regional prison in Guayaquil in early 2024 with the assistance of corrupt guards, prompting significant media attention and subsequent prison riots.
While incarcerated, Fito led Los Choneros, effectively managing its criminal operations despite a 34-year sentence for murder and drug trafficking. Under his control, the gang cultivated ties with Mexico's notorious Sinaloa cartel, introducing brutal tactics historically associated with Mexican organized crime into Ecuador.
Prior to his escape, Fito was featured in a narcocorrido, a music video which not only chronicled his criminal lifestyle but also showcased him within prison walls, demonstrating his undeterred influence. His capture is hailed as a turning point amidst President Noboa's struggle against rampant gang activity, with plans for stronger legal measures aimed at restoring safety and giving law enforcement enhanced powers. "More [drug lords] will fall; we will regain control of the country," President Noboa declared on social media.
Authorities located him in an underground bunker beneath a posh home in Manta. The operation, which lasted 10 hours and involved coordinated efforts from both police and military units, was executed without any shots fired. Officers discreetly surrounded the three-story dwelling in the Monterrey district, finally uncovering a sliding trap door disguised as part of the flooring, which led down to his private bunker. This hideout was equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, a bed, a fan, and even a refrigerator.
Fito showed no resistance when apprehended and was flown to Guayaquil, a port city home to some of Ecuador’s most secure prisons. Visuals from his arrival depict him dressed casually in shorts, a T-shirt, and flip flops, as armed guards escorted him to an awaiting vehicle for transfer to La Roca prison.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa hailed the successful operation as a victory for the security forces and indicated plans to extradite Fito to the United States, where he faces charges related to drug smuggling. Fito had previously evaded capture, escaping from La Regional prison in Guayaquil in early 2024 with the assistance of corrupt guards, prompting significant media attention and subsequent prison riots.
While incarcerated, Fito led Los Choneros, effectively managing its criminal operations despite a 34-year sentence for murder and drug trafficking. Under his control, the gang cultivated ties with Mexico's notorious Sinaloa cartel, introducing brutal tactics historically associated with Mexican organized crime into Ecuador.
Prior to his escape, Fito was featured in a narcocorrido, a music video which not only chronicled his criminal lifestyle but also showcased him within prison walls, demonstrating his undeterred influence. His capture is hailed as a turning point amidst President Noboa's struggle against rampant gang activity, with plans for stronger legal measures aimed at restoring safety and giving law enforcement enhanced powers. "More [drug lords] will fall; we will regain control of the country," President Noboa declared on social media.
