A year after his audacious escape from a Guayaquil prison, José Adolfo Macías, alias “Fito,” a fugitive drug trafficker wanted in both Ecuador and the United States, has been recaptured. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced the news on Wednesday, confirming the capture of this high-profile criminal. Macías, the leader of the notorious Los Choneros gang, was apprehended in his hometown of Manta.
Macías faces a seven-count indictment in Brooklyn, New York, charging him with international cocaine distribution, conspiracy, and weapons offenses, including the smuggling of firearms from the United States into Ecuador. The indictment alleges that Los Choneros, under Macías’ leadership, facilitated the flow of multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America to the U.S. with the assistance of Mexican cartels. The gang also allegedly employed individuals to purchase firearms and ammunition in the U.S. for smuggling into Ecuador.
The details surrounding Macías’ initial escape from the Guayaquil Regional Prison in early 2024 remain shrouded in mystery. Ecuadorian authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive explanation for his disappearance from his cell, only discovering his absence during a scheduled transfer to a higher-security facility. This escape added to Macías’ already notorious reputation, which includes a lengthy criminal record encompassing murder and organized crime charges.
Adding to the intrigue, the announcement of Macías’ recapture comes just days after another gang leader, Federico Gómez, alias “Fede,” escaped from an Ecuadorian prison. This underscores the ongoing challenges Ecuador faces in combating organized crime and maintaining security within its prison system. The recapture of Macías was confirmed by the Ecuadorian army, with video footage showing his arrest in what appears to be the basement of a house, hidden in a small hole beneath a kitchen counter.
Macías’ influence extended beyond the criminal underworld. While incarcerated in 2023, he released a video message to the Ecuadorian people, surrounded by armed men, showcasing his continued power and influence. Reports also surfaced of lavish prison parties, complete with liquor and cockfights, highlighting the level of control he maintained even from behind bars. The U.S. government had previously classified Los Choneros as one of the most violent gangs in the region, highlighting their ties to powerful Mexican drug cartels. Ecuadorian authorities have also designated the gang as a terrorist organization.
The reward for Macías’ capture had recently been increased to $1 million, underscoring the international significance of his apprehension. His recapture represents a significant victory for law enforcement in both Ecuador and the United States, though it also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in disrupting transnational criminal networks.
