Articles in this Cluster
27-06-2025
José Adolfo Macías Villamar, a notorious Ecuadorian drug trafficker known as "Fito," was recaptured in his hometown of Manta, Ecuador, more than a year after escaping from prison. Macías led the gang "Los Choneros" and was wanted by authorities in Ecuador and the US, where he was indicted on charges of importing thousands of pounds of cocaine. He was found hiding in a hole beneath a kitchen counter in a house and was arrested by Ecuadorian authorities. The recapture comes after a period of violence in Ecuador, including riots, bombings, and kidnappings, following his escape. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced the arrest, stating that "more will fall" and that they are awaiting the US response to proceed with Macías' extradition.
27-06-2025
Former Venezuelan spymaster Hugo "El Pollo" Carvajal pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges, including narco-terrorism, in a Manhattan federal court. Carvajal, who was close to late President Hugo Chávez, was extradited from Spain in 2023 after over a decade on the run. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 50 years in prison. Carvajal allegedly led a cartel with senior Venezuelan military officers that attempted to smuggle cocaine into the US, working with Colombian leftist guerrillas. His guilty plea may be a gamble to gain credit for cooperating with US efforts against Venezuela, potentially providing valuable insights on the country's inner workings and spying activities.
27-06-2025
Ecuador's most-wanted fugitive, Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as "Fito", has been recaptured after a year on the run. He was found hiding under a kitchen counter in his hometown of Manta following a 10-hour operation. "Fito" led a gang called Los Choneros and had an extensive criminal record, including charges of murder and organised crime. He was sentenced to 34 years in prison in 2011 and was due to face international drug and gun charges in a New York court. The US has classified Los Choneros as one of the world's most violent gangs, and Ecuador has described it as a terrorist organisation. Ecuador has requested his extradition to the US.
27-06-2025
Ecuadorian authorities captured Adolfo "Fito" Macias, the leader of the Choneros gang, after an 18-month search. Macias had escaped from prison in January 2024 and was found hiding at a family member's mansion in his hometown. A $1 million reward was offered for information leading to his capture.