Ecuador’s most wanted fugitive, Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as Fito, has been re-arrested more than a year after he escaped from a maximum security prison.
Fito, the leader of the notorious Los Choneros gang, was found in his hometown of Manta, after a ten-hour operation by security forces. A video released by the Ecuadorian military shows a uniformed soldier pointing a gun at his head after they found him hiding in a small hole under the kitchen counter.
Macias has an extensive criminal record, including charges of murder and organized crime, and was sentenced to 34 years in prison in 2011.
A million dollar reward was offered for his arrest. The authorities have not yet explained how he escaped – his disappearance was only discovered when the army came to pick him up for transfer to another prison and found an empty cell.
After the escape, a state of emergency was declared for 60 days. During that period, masked gunmen stormed the television studio during a live broadcast, claiming to have bombs.
Interpol quickly issued an international arrest warrant for Macias, who is due to stand trial in New York on charges of international drug and arms trafficking.
Macias is accused of distributing cocaine worldwide and smuggling weapons and ammunition from the US to Ecuador, in collaboration with Mexican cartels.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa confirmed that his government had already requested Macias’ extradition to the US and announced that “more notorious gang leaders will be brought down”.
–Had an almost cult status–
Macias, who had an almost cult status among some in the public, was known for organizing parties with alcohol and cockfighting in prison. In 2023, he released a video address to the public from prison, surrounded by armed guards.
The United States last year declared Los Choneros one of the most violent gangs in the world, while Ecuador has designated the group a terrorist organization.
His arrest comes weeks after the government announced it would increase the reward for his capture to $1 million.
