Manta, Ecuador – June 2025
After more than 18 months on the run, Ecuadorian authorities have successfully recaptured one of the country’s most dangerous and wanted men — José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known by the alias “Fito.” He is the infamous leader of the Los Choneros criminal gang, a group deeply entrenched in drug trafficking and violence across Ecuador and beyond.
The Prison Escape That Shocked the Nation
Fito was originally serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking, organized crime, and murder. In January 2024, he mysteriously vanished from a high-security prison in Guayaquil, triggering a national crisis. His disappearance sparked deadly prison riots, armed gang activity in the streets, and widespread public fear. The government declared a state of emergency, deploying military forces to regain control.
A Massive Intelligence Operation
Fito’s capture came as the result of a months-long intelligence campaign involving military, police, and counter-narcotics units. Authorities tracked movements of people close to him, including family members and local government employees. One clue led investigators to a luxury mansion in Manta, his hometown. Although the house appeared ordinary, aerial surveillance and ground sensors revealed a hidden structure beneath it.
Inside the home, law enforcement uncovered a steel-reinforced bunker accessed through a trapdoor under a laundry room. The small, air-conditioned hideout was fully equipped and designed to conceal a long-term occupant. It was there, in the early hours of the morning, that police found Fito and placed him under arrest without resistance.
Dramatic Arrest and Transfer
Video footage of the arrest shows Fito being pulled out from the underground space, ordered to state his full name, and placed in handcuffs. He was quickly flown to a maximum-security prison, where he is now held under strict surveillance. The government has since confirmed its willingness to extradite him to the United States, where he faces federal charges related to international drug trafficking and weapons offenses.
Symbol of a Broken System
Fito’s escape and lengthy time as a fugitive have raised serious questions about corruption and weaknesses within Ecuador’s prison system. His ability to evade capture for so long, allegedly while still directing gang operations, has intensified calls for major reform. The case has also exposed the deep connections between organized crime, local officials, and international cartels.
A Turning Point for Ecuador
This high-profile arrest marks a significant moment for Ecuador’s internal security strategy. The government, led by President Daniel Noboa, has been under pressure to restore public trust and curb gang violence that has escalated in recent years. Authorities hope that Fito’s recapture will deal a heavy blow to the criminal networks operating within the country.
Yet the fight is far from over. Experts warn that unless structural issues—such as corruption, poverty, and weak institutions—are addressed, others will rise to take Fito’s place.
Conclusion
The dramatic fall of “Fito,” one of Ecuador’s most powerful crime lords, reflects both a victory for law enforcement and a harsh reminder of the challenges posed by transnational crime. While his arrest closes a dark chapter, it also opens a crucial window for reform, accountability, and stronger action against the cartels destabilizing Ecuador and the broader region.