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Major Development in International Crime Case
José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as "Fito", has agreed to extradition to the United States during a court hearing in Quito. The notorious leader of Ecuador's Los Choneros cartel faces seven federal charges in Brooklyn, New York, including drug trafficking and weapons offenses.
Path to Extradition
Macías accepted the extradition request during a virtual court appearance, stating "Yes, I accept it, Your Honor." The process now requires confirmation from Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa before US authorities can arrange the transfer.
Criminal Background
Macías was serving a 34-year sentence in Ecuador for drug trafficking, organized crime, and murder when he escaped prison in January 2024. His escape triggered nationwide chaos, prompting President Noboa to declare a state of emergency and designate 22 gangs including Los Choneros as terrorist organizations.
International Connections
Los Choneros operates as the armed wing of Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel within Ecuador, controlling significant cocaine trafficking routes to the US. The gang originated in Manabí Province during the 1990s and has expanded its influence through prison networks and political assassinations, including the 2023 killing of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.
Regional Impact
Ecuador's homicide rate has surged from 5 to 46 per 100,000 inhabitants since 2018, giving it the highest murder rate in the Americas by 2023. The government offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Macías' recapture, resulting in his June 2025 arrest in an underground bunker in Manta.
Next Steps
Authorities have arrested multiple relatives of Macías and seized assets in the Andes region. His extradition represents a significant development in international efforts to combat transnational drug cartels operating across Latin America.
