Ecuador Recaptures Gang Leader Fito in Manta

Ecuadorian authorities have recaptured José Adolfo Macías, alias 'Fito,' the leader of the Los Choneros gang, after his January 2024 escape from a Guayaquil prison. Fito, serving a 34-year sentence for murder and drug trafficking, was apprehended in his hometown of Manta, hiding in an underground bunker during a 10-hour police and military operation. His escape had triggered a state of emergency, violent prison riots, and attacks nationwide, underlining the grip of organized crime in Ecuador. The U.S. imposed sanctions on Fito and Los Choneros, and Ecuador has now requested his extradition to face federal charges including cocaine trafficking and weapons smuggling. President Daniel Noboa credited new intelligence laws and praised security forces for the capture, pledging continued action against criminal organizations. Authorities hope that Fito’s arrest will help restore order and diminish gang influence in the country.