Ecuadorian Gang Leader Extradited to US Over Drug, Firearm Charges

José Adolfo “Fito” Macías Villamar, leader of the violent Ecuadorian gang Los Choneros, was extradited to the U.S. to face federal drug and firearm trafficking charges after escaping from prison twice, most recently in January 2024, which triggered nationwide riots and violence in Ecuador. Macías, who had been serving a 34-year sentence, is accused of overseeing extensive trafficking networks, including partnerships with Mexican cartels like the Sinaloa cartel, and commanding kidnappings, murders, and torture. He was captured in a luxury compound with a hidden bunker and pleaded not guilty during his federal arraignment in New York. His extradition marks the first under new Ecuadorian laws aimed at bolstering efforts against criminal gangs. This case follows increased U.S. pressure on Latin American drug traffickers, including the extradition of Mexican cartel figures such as “Jesus G” and Ovidio Guzman, whose cooperation with U.S. authorities is expected to help dismantle cartel networks. Macías' arrest is considered a major blow to transnational crime, given Los Choneros' role in violent gang conflicts and weapons smuggling throughout the region.