A brother of Ecuador’s most notorious drug lord was killed by gunmen who had disguised themselves as police officers, a chilling reminder of the violent power struggles that fuel the region’s crime economy.
David Macías, 35, was a regional coordinator for Los Choneros, the powerful criminal gang that was headed by his brother, Adolfo Macías, known as “Fito,” until his extradition to the United States last year.
Los Choneros has been declared a Foreign Terrorist Organisation by the U.S. and is accused of driving Ecuador’s spike in homicides through its extensive drug‑trafficking network.
Local witnesses reported that men—clad in police uniforms and balaclavas—entered the upscale rental house in Olón, on Ecuador’s Pacific coast, before shooting Macías. The gunmen fled the scene and, to date, no arrests have been announced in connection with the killing.
Such high‑profile hits are common in the region, as rival gang factions or jealous insiders target leaders to shift control. In fact, last month a local gang boss was killed by teenage gunmen who concealed weapons under stuffed toys at the international airport in Guayaquil.
Police noted that David Macías had pleaded guilty in 2018 to criminal conspiracy charges and, while imprisoned, allegedly recruited inmates for Los Choneros, bringing the prison under gang influence.
The death of Macías marks an additional blow to Los Choneros’ dominance, following the arrest of Adolfo Macías and the capture of their brother Javier in Colombia last month.
