Ecuadorian authorities have successfully apprehended the nation's most notorious criminal, Adolfo Macías Villamar, also known as "Fito." As the leader of Los Choneros, a well-known gang linked to the alarming rise in Ecuador's murder rate, Fito is notorious for his role in organized drug trafficking and suspected involvement in the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. Police operations led to his capture in an underground bunker beneath a luxury house in Manta, Ecuador's coastal city.
This extensive joint operation, executed over ten hours with both police and military personnel, resulted in Fito’s surprise capture without resistance. Authorities surrounded the elegant three-story residence in the Monterrey neighborhood, where they uncovered a cleverly disguised sliding trapdoor concealing stairs that led to his underground refuge. This hideout was surprisingly equipped with air conditioning, bedding, and other amenities, implying a sustained presence.
Following his arrest, footage revealed Fito being escorted in casual attire by heavily armed security officers to an SUV, subsequently transferring him to the highly secure La Roca prison in Guayaquil, known for housing the country's most dangerous criminals.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa commended law enforcement's diligent efforts, confirming plans for Fito's extradition to the United States on cocaine trafficking charges. Fito's criminal background is further marred by a daring escape earlier this year from a Guayaquil prison, which triggered a grave national emergency and violent prison uprisings.
Previously sentenced to 34 years for murder and drug smuggling, Fito expanded his gang's influence from behind bars after the death of the gang's former leader. His operations included not only drug distribution but also extortion, forming dangerous alliances with Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, known for gruesome violence associated with drug trafficking.
President Noboa expressed confidence that with Fito’s capture, further progress could be made against organized crime, promising stronger laws aimed at restoring control in the country plagued by gang-related activities.
