Adolfo Macías Villamar, better known as "Fito," has been extradited from Ecuador to the United States, where he faces serious allegations of drug and arms trafficking. This notorious gang leader, who originally led the Los Choneros gang, was recaptured in June after escaping a high-security prison where he was serving a lengthy 34-year sentence. His lawyer has announced that he will plead not guilty in a federal court in Brooklyn.
Fito's gang, Los Choneros, is notorious for its ties to powerful Mexican and Balkan criminal organizations, contributing to a dramatic increase in Ecuador's murder rate. The country now serves as a central hub for cocaine trafficking, with over 70% of the world's cocaine passing through its ports. Fito's recent capture was celebrated by President Daniel Noboa, who has emphasized a commitment to combatting crime in the country. Following a referendum, Ecuadorians supported Fito's extradition, enabling cooperation with U.S. authorities in tackling organized crime.
Now in custody, Fito will await trial in a U.S. prison, as Ecuador wrestles with the ramifications of its violent drug culture.
