NEW YORK—The elusive head of a notorious Ecuadorian gang has been charged in New York City for importing massive quantities of cocaine into the United States, according to authorities. This individual, José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as “Fito,” has been on the run since his escape from an Ecuadorian prison last year and remains outside U.S. custody. The gang he leads, Los Choneros, is known for its violent activities including hiring assassins and leveraging bribery and military-grade weaponry. Since at least 2020, Macías has orchestrated these operations, according to U.S. Attorney John Durham.
Macías’ reputation precedes him; he is recognized as a ruthless and highly effective drug trafficker, with an extensive background of criminal activities including murder and organized crime. Even during his incarceration in 2023, Macías managed to maintain influence, reaching out to the Ecuadorian public via video while surrounded by armed men. His notoriety also extended within prison walls, where he orchestrated lavish parties and had access to various contraband.
A comprehensive seven-count indictment unveiled in Brooklyn accuses Macías and an unnamed associate of participating in international cocaine distribution, conspiracy, and weapons-related offenses, notably the illegal importation of firearms from the U.S. The indictment details how Los Choneros acquired firearms, components, and ammunition from the U.S. and transported them to Ecuador, while leveraging Mexican cartels to facilitate cocaine smuggling into the U.S. This collaboration led to the establishment of critical cocaine trafficking routes, with the gang using violence to intimidate or eliminate those obstructing their path, including law enforcement, politicians, and civilians.
“Los Choneros orchestrated a wide-spanning network responsible for transporting multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico to the United States and beyond,” the indictment reveals, with the U.S. serving as the primary consumer of these drugs.
The discovery of Macías’ disappearance from his cell in Guayaquil, Ecuador in January 2024 added another layer of complexity to the pursuit of this seasoned criminal, who was serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking. In 2022, the U.S. identified Los Choneros as one of the most violent gangs, emphasizing its tight connections with dominant Mexican drug cartels threatening stability in Ecuador and nearby regions.
Ecuadorian authorities have further escalated their efforts to detain Macías, designating Los Choneros as a terrorist organization. Recently, the Ecuadorian government increased the reward for information leading to his capture to $1 million.