In a significant development, a notorious drug trafficker who had been on the run for over a year has been recaptured by Ecuadorian authorities. This individual, previously known to have led the gang “Los Choneros,” was apprehended in Manta, his native city, much to the relief of both Ecuadorian and United States officials who had been seeking his arrest.
José Adolfo Macías, also referred to by his alias “Fito,” had gained notoriety for importing substantial amounts of cocaine into the United States, leading to indictments in New York City. His escape from the Guayaquil Regional Prison at the start of 2024 was shrouded in mystery, leaving authorities baffled as to how he managed to slip away from a facility where he was serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking offenses.
The dramatic moment of Macías’ capture was confirmed by the Ecuadorian military, who found him hiding discreetly beneath a kitchen counter in what appeared to be the basement of a house. A video clip shows officers with weapons trained on Macías as he surrenders his full identity. The operation finally concludes with his arrest, a high-stakes event for both local and international law enforcement.
This breakthrough coincides eerily with the news of another gang leader, Federico Gómez, known as “Fede,” who has recently escaped from an Ecuadorian prison, adding pressure on the authorities to tighten their grip on organized crime. Besides his drug trafficking convictions, Macías also has an extensive criminal history that includes charges of murder and involvement in complex organized crime networks.
While imprisoned, Macías could still exert his influence, even going as far as to release a video message aimed at the Ecuadorian public. During his incarceration, he also reportedly hosted multiple illicit parties, complete with alcohol and rooster fights, underscoring his continual defiance of the system.
Macias’ charges in the US include a seven-count indictment detailing his involvement in international cocaine distribution, conspiracy, and illegal weapons trafficking. These charges allege that he facilitated the smuggling of firearms and ammunition from the United States into Ecuador, with his operation linking up with major Mexican cartels to transport drugs north to the United States.
The gang, Los Choneros, have been identified as a significant threat in South America due to their orchestrated efforts to move multi-ton shipments of cocaine. The US government has branded them extremely violent and indicated connections with dominant Mexican drug cartels, heightening concerns for regional security. In response to these threats, Ecuadorian authorities have given the gang the status of a terrorist organization and upped the bounty for Macías’ capture to $1 million, emphasizing the scale of his criminal undertakings.