Drug kingpin ‘Fito,’ Ecuador’s most wanted man, has been captured, says Ecuador’s president

Jose Adolfo Macias, infamously known as 'Fito' and regarded as Ecuador's most wanted criminal, was captured on Wednesday, as confirmed by President Daniel Noboa. Fito is the leader of the notorious Los Choneros gang and had been serving a lengthy 34-year sentence for serious offenses including homicide and narcotics trafficking. His apprehension follows a dramatic escape from a Guayaquil prison in January 2024, which triggered a significant surge in violence across Ecuador. In response to the escalating crisis, President Noboa declared an internal armed conflict and classified Los Choneros, along with 21 other criminal organizations, as terrorist groups, highlighting the severe threat they pose to national security.

The US Department of the Treasury took action against Fito and Los Choneros in February 2024, imposing sanctions due to their involvement in drug trafficking and violent crimes that extend beyond Ecuador's borders. Following the capture, President Noboa indicated that the Ecuadorian government is actively pursuing Fito's extradition to the United States, where he could face additional legal consequences. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated as authorities navigate the complexities of international law and the ongoing challenges posed by organized crime in the region.