Powerful Ecuador drug lord 'Fito' extradited to US

 

Adolfo Macías Villamar, also known as “Fito,” is one of Ecuador’s most dangerous criminal figures and the leader of the Los Choneros gang. He was serving a 34-year sentence in a high-security prison for crimes including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and murder. In early 2023, Fito escaped from prison, triggering a nationwide manhunt. Authorities finally tracked him down in June 2025, finding him hiding in an underground bunker beneath a luxury residence in the coastal city of Manta. After his capture, he was transferred to La Roca, Ecuador’s top-security prison. President Daniel Noboa hailed the operation as a major win in Ecuador’s struggle against drug-related violence and corruption. Soon after, the government confirmed that he would be extradited to the United States. On Sunday, July 20, Fito was officially transferred to U.S. custody and flown to New York. He is expected to appear in a Brooklyn federal court on Monday. His lawyer stated that he will plead not guilty to the international charges of drug and weapons trafficking. The U.S. authorities have not yet confirmed where he will be held pending trial. Fito's extradition is the result of a national referendum in Ecuador that allowed the government to extradite citizens involved in organized crime. The move aligns with President Noboa's aggressive stance against drug cartels and gang violence that has worsened in recent years.

Fito led Los Choneros, one of Ecuador’s most powerful and violent gangs. The group has strong ties to international criminal networks, including Mexico’s Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels, as well as Balkan crime organizations. Under Fito's leadership, Los Choneros expanded their influence over Ecuador’s ports and drug routes, making the country a major hub in the global cocaine trade. Ecuador is sandwiched between Colombia and Peru—the top two cocaine producers in the world. Over 70% of the world’s cocaine passes through Ecuador’s ports, largely under the control of gangs like Los Choneros. As gang violence intensified, Ecuador’s once-peaceful image changed rapidly. The country now has one of the highest murder rates in Latin America. Fito is also suspected of ordering the high-profile assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023. Villavicencio had campaigned heavily against organized crime and had openly named Fito as a target of his anti-corruption plans. His murder shocked the nation and intensified calls for reform. In response, President Noboa launched a broad security crackdown. His government has sought help from foreign militaries, including those of the United States, Europe, and Brazil, to fight Ecuador’s criminal groups. In April 2025, Noboa pushed for a national referendum allowing the extradition of Ecuadorians involved in international crimes. The measure passed with majority support. Fito’s extradition marks a milestone in this campaign. It shows Ecuador’s shift from internal legal handling of cartel leaders to full cooperation with international law enforcement. While it remains unclear how this will impact Los Choneros’ operations, the move signals Ecuador’s willingness to escalate its war on gangs and restore order. Fito’s U.S. trial could also reveal more about international drug networks and political corruption in Ecuador and beyond.

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